Explore the fascinating world of American Literature and Drama with quizzes on literary devices and themes. Discover essential concepts and prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a metaphor?

Metaphor is a direct comparison that says one thing is another, without using like or as. Time is a thief fits that perfectly because it treats time itself as if it were a thief, conveying the idea that moments slip away or are stolen from us. This creates a vivid image and a deeper sense of loss by equating time with a person who steals. The other examples aren’t metaphors. Using like makes the statement a simile, not a metaphor. Saying the sun smiled at us personifies the sun, giving it human action. And describing the room roaring with laughter attributes a human action to a room, which is also personification rather than a direct equating metaphor.

Metaphor is a direct comparison that says one thing is another, without using like or as. Time is a thief fits that perfectly because it treats time itself as if it were a thief, conveying the idea that moments slip away or are stolen from us. This creates a vivid image and a deeper sense of loss by equating time with a person who steals.

The other examples aren’t metaphors. Using like makes the statement a simile, not a metaphor. Saying the sun smiled at us personifies the sun, giving it human action. And describing the room roaring with laughter attributes a human action to a room, which is also personification rather than a direct equating metaphor.