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Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Ants and Cattle:
The book uses a metaphor to compare ants and Morlocks, the strand of humanity's descendants who have devolved into a cannibalistic, subterranean society. Morlocks are depicted as creatures who live in “burrows” and “crawl” below ground, preferring the dark crevices of the earth to the daylight. The Time Traveller describes the Morlocks as "small, white, moving creatures" that are the "half-bleached color of the worms and things one sees preserved in spirit in a zoological museum." These descriptions highlight the Morlocks' mutated, animalistic appearance, in which almost all vestiges of humanity have been stamped out.
The Traveller notes that the Morlocks prey upon the surface-dwelling Eloi, further deepening the metaphor of the Morlocks as insects and scavenging vermin. Wells writes:
These Eloi were mere fatted cattle, which the ant-like Morlocks preserved and preyed upon—probably saw to the breeding of.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Siblings:
Wells develops the metaphor of siblings to compare and contrast the Morlocks and Eloi, the two strands of humanity's descendants. The Eloi are portrayed as the weaker, more vulnerable sibling who once held greater power, but has since devolved and now lacks the strength and ability to defend themselves. Conversely, the Morlocks are portrayed as the sibling who was once oppressed but has evolved to become brutish and violent, retaining the brawn and ingenuity that once was humanity's strength. Observing the two species, the Traveller remarks:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Ages ago, thousands of generations ago, man had thrust his brother man out of the ease and the sunshine. And now that brother was coming back — changed!
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Cattle :
Several times, the Time Traveller refers to the Eloi metaphorically as cattle. This comparison serves to highlight the Eloi's apathetic and passive nature; the Time Traveller's comparison suggests that the Eloi have become docile and easily manipulated by their environment. This comparison draws attention to the dangers of complacency and the loss of individuality and freedom that can result from societal regression. In Chapter 10, the Time Traveller uses a simile to express this idea:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Very pleasant was their day, as pleasant as the day of the cattle in the field. Like the cattle, they knew of no enemies and provided against no needs. And their end was the same.
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Cattle :
Several times, the Time Traveller refers to the Eloi metaphorically as cattle. This comparison serves to highlight the Eloi's apathetic and passive nature; the Time Traveller's comparison suggests that the Eloi have become docile and easily manipulated by their environment. This comparison draws attention to the dangers of complacency and the loss of individuality and freedom that can result from societal regression. In Chapter 10, the Time Traveller uses a simile to express this idea:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Very pleasant was their day, as pleasant as the day of the cattle in the field. Like the cattle, they knew of no enemies and provided against no needs. And their end was the same.
Related Themes:
