Metaphor and Metonymy

For this blog the term metaphor and metonymy will be described using The University of Chicago's Theories of Media webpage, which states:  

"Metaphor and metonymy are two types of trope, that is, "a word or phrase used in a sense other than that which is proper to it"" (Orden, n.d.)

Metaphor

Aristotle referred to metaphors as an "enigma that reveals a likeness" and can also be seen as a "way of describing an abstract concept with accessible tools" (Orden, n.d.).   Metaphors whether they be written, oral, or born from graphics are viewed at the essence of what makes the human language colorful or lively.   These descriptive words, phrases, or graphics are analogous from their literal meaning.   

Example of a Metaphor

Human Leech

Referring to a friend who borrows money as a "leech."  In this case I'm going to use written text instead of a graphic to discuss a metaphor.  Because a human leech does not really exist.  It is an analogy for someone who sucks the money from you or sometimes the life.  Why we choose to make analogies between blood, money, and life is anyone's guess but it does show that money is of importance to us as a culture (Orden, n.d.).  
         

Metonymy

The idea of metonymy is to reduce redundancy. The example below for men and women's restrooms act as a "shorthand" for language. However metonymy is not always simple and may include more complex topics within the symbol. Metonymy is a word or symbol that effectively replaces a word, phrase, or action (Orden, n.d.).

Symbols for Bathroom

Example of Metonymy

Symbols for Men's and Women's bathroom.  As the article states, this is a crude symbol but effective.  As a society we know that the triangle represents a female figure in a dress and the rectangle figure represents a male.  We also know that it represents a room with a potty, sink, and sometimes shower (Orden, n.d.). 

Evidence of Metaphor and Metonymy use in my Presentation
I used metaphors and metonymy whenever I needed to make a point.  




The clock is meant to represent the future.  In other words it analogous or a metaphor.  Time is ticking.  We need to think about what we want to expose our students to because experiences in school is going to be what they base their college preferences on.  If they aren't exposed to STEM concepts, they may not see it as a future career.

The red X is meant to make the reader literally stop and pay attention, danger is ahead.  Much like the bathroom symbols above, we know this symbol translates as a "stop" or "danger" in any given situation, therefore it is a metonymy.  The next statistic in the presentation is representative of how many students we lose in high school because we do not fortify their interests in STEM careers.  I felt this red X would grab the reader's attention before continuing to the next slide.


Classmate Examples

1.  Jared St. Martin Brown

Multimodal Presentation - Play

This picture is an excellent representation of a metaphor.  The words on the screen are, "...minds of the future..." which is often referred to or represented by the next generation - our children.  

Multimodal Presentation - Play

The creativity slide is a good representation of metonymy.  Creativity is represented by an abstract painting in the background.  


2.  Candi's Blog

Multimodal Presentation - Motorcross

This particular image is a captured moment in time of a motocross racer jumping over an obstacle.  The author is making an analogy or metaphor as to what fearless is defined as since fearless cannot be seen.  Most people would be afraid to allow both tires to leave the ground simultaneously.    

Multimodal Presentation - Motorcross

In this picture the author is making a point about the healthiness of a motocross racer.  It requires that the racer be healthy and strong to maneuver through an obstacle course.  We know that protein, starches, and vegetables are representative of a healthy meal which makes this picture a good example of a metonymy.  

3.  Britney Greer

Multimodal Presentaton - Chess

The picture is of a horse going into battle is could be metaphor of a horse/knight in chess or referring to the "rules" as a battle since chess requires two people to play.  

Multimodal Presentation - Chess

A map is a good picture of a metonymy.  No matter the subject I know that the picture represents something that has occurred on the Asian continent, especially India since it is centered in the picture.  

Citation
Greer, B. J. (2014, June 3). Multimodal presentation [Web log message]. Retrieved on June 5, 2014 
      from http://bmgreer.blogspot.com/2014/06/multimodal-presentation.html


St. Martin Brown, J. (2014, June 1). Play!- a multimodal presentation [Web log message]. Retrieved on 
      June 5, 2014 from http://reinventingthewing.blogspot.com

Thomas, C. (2014, May 28). Motocross: multimodal [Web log message]. Retrieved on June 5, 2014 
      from http://sportmotomom1.blogspot.com/2014/05/motocross-multimodal_28.html

Orden, A. (n.d.). metaphor and metonymy. Retrieved on June 5, 2014 from 
      http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/metaphormetonym.htm