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Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Act 1, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—A Neat Rivulet of Text:
As Benjamin Backbite discusses his proficiency at crafting the perfect line of insulting poetry with Sir Crabtree and Lady Sneerwell, he self-importantly mentions that he would also like to try his hand at publishing some of his love poetry. Although he does not say so outright, It is heavily implied that this poetry concerns Maria, the unwilling object of his affections. As he attempts to praise himself to her, he metaphorically compares the printing of his poetry to a river of text and the page itself to a meadow:
Yes, madam, I think you will like them, when you shall see them on a beautiful quarto page, where a neat rivulet of text shall meander through a meadow of margin.—’Fore Gad they will be the most elegant things of their kind!
The figurative language in the quote above demonstrates Sir Benjamin’s desire to appear sophisticated while at the same revealing his underlying superfluous nature. His professed reverence for the printed word is so effusive that it loses any sense of sincerity, especially in light of his already-acknowledged proclivity for lesser forms of literature. Rather than endearing himself to her, Sir Benjamin's metaphor instead demonstrates his lack of compatibility with Maria, who signals her disapproval through her utter lack of any reaction.
Related Themes:
