The central metaphor in Laura Kasischke's poem "Metaphor" plays with the idea of literal and figurative language, as seen in lines like 'Chaos is a pinch of joy, a bit of screaming.' The poem challenges the reader to consider how language shapes understanding and thought, particularly through the use of metaphors.
The central metaphor in Laura Kasischke's poem "Metaphor" begins with a seemingly straightforward statement that 'caramel is sugar burnt to syrup in a pan,' which sounds metaphorical but is a literal definition. As the poem progresses, it delves into true metaphors, such as 'Chaos is a pinch of joy, a bit of screaming' and 'An infant sleeping's a milky sea.' These metaphors are used to explore the boundaries between the literal and symbolic nature of language, as well as the way our minds comprehend and equate different concepts.
The poem engages the reader in a reflection on the omnipresence of metaphors in understanding abstract concepts, as indicated by common expressions like 'LIFE IS A JOURNEY.' Examples in poetry and everyday speech alike illustrate how pervasive and foundational metaphorical language is to human communication and thought.