Analogy

Analogy

February 8, 2021

Comparing objects or ideas is a common practice especially when writing. While there are many types of comparisons that one can make through usual figures of speech like simile and metaphor, there are also literary techniques or devices that can show and provide a more detailed comparison of things and ideas. One example of these techniques is the use of analogy.

An analogy is a literary technique that involves comparison of how two things are alike, but with the ultimate goal of making a point about this comparison. 

Although often quite similar or related with simile and metaphor, an analogy is not a figure of speech. It is a rhetorical device used to make rational arguments and support ideas by showing connections and comparisons between unlike things.

The main function of analogy is not just to show, but also to explain or justify. Meanwhile, figures of speech like simile or metaphor only aim to show without providing clear descriptions or explanations. As such, analogy is more complex in nature than figures of speech.

Let's watch a video!

Let's have a comprehension check!

Read, examine and classify each sentence as to

SIMILE, METAPHOR or ANALOGY.

Multiple Choice

He is as thin as a stick.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Analogy

Multiple Choice

“Life is like a bag of cadies---you never know what you’re going to get.”

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Analogy

Multiple Choice

Life is a wonderful journey.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Analogy

Multiple Choice

This problem is a death sentence.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Analogy

Multiple Choice

Teaching students requires the same passion you would give to plants in a garden. Nurture them, care for them, let them, care for them, let them experience both light and dark. Soon, they will grow and bloom like you expect them to be.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Analogy

Multiple Choice

Her smile beams like the sun.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Analogy

There are two types of analogies...

Generally, there are two types of analogies commonly employed in writing.

1. Analogies that identify identical relationships. This type of analogy takes the form “A is to B as C is to D,” and is often used to directly illustrate similar relationships between two pairs of words, often for the purpose of logical argument.

Example: English : language :: Mathematics : arithmetic

The example above vividly shows the connection between English and language and Mathematics and arithmetic. English is basically a subject that focuses on language while Mathematics deals primarily with arithmetic or numbers.

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Generally, there are two types of analogies commonly employed in writing.

2. Analogies that identify shared abstraction. This form of analogy compares two things or concepts that are technically unrelated in order to establish a connection between a characteristic that they share. This type is common and useful in writing because it can make abstract ideas and concepts more concrete.

Examples:

1. “What soldiers do for the country, white blood cells do inside the body.”

2. “Photosynthesis does for plants what digesting food does for animals. It is the process that lets them convert nutrients into the fuel needed to grow and develop.” 

In writing, analogies play the function of making abstract concepts more concrete, adding depth and feeling to an image, and describing and making a point to establish an argument.

Let's have a recap of what analogy is...

Identify which of the statements are true about analogy.

Choose GO if the statement is correct and NO if it says otherwise.

Multiple Choice

Analogy can show comparisons between unrelated things.

• GO

• NO

Multiple Choice

Analogy is just another term for simile.

• GO

• NO

Multiple Choice

Analogy can be used to explain a point.

• GO

• NO

Multiple Choice

Some analogies compare relationships.

• GO

• NO

Multiple Choice

Analogy can be used to describe unfamiliar concepts.

• GO

• NO