Final answer:
The metaphor of 'North' represents a person's true path or inner compass, while the metaphor for the West represents the obstacles and challenges in life. Lincoln's point is that knowing one's true north is important, but it's equally important to navigate and overcome the obstacles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metaphor of 'North' in the quote is used to represent a sense of direction or purpose in life. In this context, 'North' symbolizes a person's true path or inner compass. The metaphor for the West can be seen in the quote as well, where Lincoln mentions the 'swamps between you and there'. This metaphor represents the obstacles and challenges that one encounters on their journey towards their goal.
The point Lincoln was making is that knowing one's true north or having a sense of direction in life is important, but it's equally important to navigate and overcome the obstacles that come in the way. Simply knowing the destination or goal is not enough; one must also be aware of the challenges and take the necessary steps to avoid or overcome them.