Question

“Even as in autumn leaves detach themselves,

now one and now another, till their branch
sees all its stripped off clothing on the ground;
so, one by one, the evil seed of Adam
cast themselves down that river-bank at signals,
as doth a bird to its recalling lure.”

Identify the metaphor in the excerpt and explain its meaning. How does the metaphor affect the meaning and tone of the excerpt?

Answer 1

I feel like there is more than one metaphor? They paint a picture of what the author wants you to see. It sets the tone by making you feel what the author is showing you. ie: as doth a bird to its recalling lure. I think it makes you feel and sets the tone by its imagery.