Analyzing Comparisons and Analogies

What is an analogy?

• a literary, mythological, biblical, or historical reference

• A point-by-point comparison between two things that are alike in some respect

• A figure of speech that is not meant to be taken literally

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

How are analogies different from similes and metaphors?

• They are more elaborate/complex.

• They usually make a comparison between situations as opposed to things.

• Writers use them to connect unfamiliar concepts to familiar ones.

• All of the above.

Which of the following is an example of an analogy?

• How a doctor diagnoses diseases is like how a detective investigates crimes.

• You're acting like such a Scrooge!

• He decided to let her off the hook.

• She sells seashells by the sea-shore.

What does the following analogy mean?

Every choice you make is like spinning the wheel of fortune.

• There is no wrong choice.

• Making choices can make you money.

• Sometimes you get what you want; sometimes you get what you were trying to avoid.

• BANKRUPT!

What does the following analogy mean?

Oh, he ‘loved to laugh?’ Well, that doesn’t tell you anything! That’s like saying, ‘He hungered for food!

• You can't learn anything from someone who loves to laugh.

• Laughter can fill you up just like food can.

• Eating is funny.

• It is nothing special for someone to love to laugh; everyone does.

Analogy or allusion?

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

• analogy

• allusion

Analogy or allusion?

I didn’t have lunch money, but fortunately some Good Samaritan helped me out!

• analogy

• allusion

Analogy or allusion?

He was a tall man, with broad Atlantean shoulders.

• analogy

• allusion

Analogy or allusion?

What gunpowder did for war the printing press has done for the mind.

• analogy

• allusion

Analogy or allusion?

Finding a good friend is like finding a needle in a haystack.

• analogy

• allusion