Literary Device: Metaphor

1
Literary Device Metaphor

• Like a simile, a metaphor is a form of figurative
  language that makes a comparison between two
  different things. Unlike a simile, it does NOT
  use the connective words like or as to make
  this comparison.
• Example The sky flowed out over the earth, a
  large, blue blanket.

2
BereftRobert Frost

• Where had I heard this wind before
• Change like this to a deeper roar?
• What would it take my standing there for,
• Holding open a restive door,
• Looking down hill to a frothy shore?
• Summer was past and the day was past.
• Sombre clouds in the west were massed.
• Out on the porch's sagging floor,
• Leaves got up in a coil and hissed,
• Blindly struck at my knee and missed.
• Something sinister in the tone
• Told me my secret must be known
• Word I was in the house alone
• Somehow must have gotten abroad,
• Word I was in my life alone,
• Word I had no one left but God.

3
Bereft Authors Purpose

• What is the overall tone of the poem? What is
  the major emotion expressed within this poem?
• (Hint What is the meaning of the word bereft?)
  _____________________________________________
  ________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________
  _______________________

The word bereft describes suffering from the
death of a loved one. The overall tone of the
poem could be described as desolate, paranoid,
and grieving. The major emotions encompass
grief, loneliness, fear, and destitution.
4
Bereft Authors Purpose

• What elements of the setting and/or provided
  details concerning the speakers situation
  heighten this major emotion or tone within the
  poem?

The deep, roaring wind
The frothy, stormy shore
The restive door, held open by the speaker
The sagging porch floor
Gloomy clouds in the west sky
Everyone is aware the speaker is alone
5
Bereft Authors Purpose

• What two things are being compared within this
  poem through the use of a metaphor?
• (Hint Examine the description of the
  leaves.) The ______ are compared to a _____
  through the use of the words ______ and
  ________.
• How does this sneaky metaphor directly enhance
  the meaning and tone of the poem already
  established through setting details and the title
  of the poem itself?_____________________________
  ________________________________________________
  ______________________________________________

leaves
snake
coil
hissed
Like a striking snake, this hidden metaphor
heightens the threatening sense of landscape
and oppressive tone of the poem - underscoring
the unsettling nature of grief.
6
Answer the essay question below

• In Robert Frosts Bereft, the poet examines the
  emotionally threatening nature of grief. Using
  relevant direct text evidence and insightful
  commentary, write a well-organized response
  examining how the author uses both details and
  metaphor to heighten the poems tonal impact.

Red Major Writing Task Blue Minor
Insights/Instructions