Final answer:
The term for two thoughts put together in a sentence is a metaphor or a simile, both being forms of figurative language for comparison. A metaphor states one thing is another; a simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for two thoughts put together in the same sentence is generally referred to as a metaphor or a simile. These are key forms of figurative language used to draw comparisons and create vivid imagery. A metaphor makes a direct comparison by stating that one thing is another, while a simile makes a comparison using the words like or as.
For example, in Bruce Snider's poem 'Chemistry' a simile is used: 'rising explosive as my parakeet bursting from its cage.' This comparison, using the word 'as,' helps to convey a sense of freedom or sudden expression. On the other hand, a metaphor is seen in Emily Dickinson's 'Hope' where she says 'Hope is the thing with feathers.' Here, the abstract concept of hope is compared directly to a bird, a thing with feathers, to evoke an image of lightness and possibility without the use of 'like' or 'as.'
Familiarity with these literary devices enriches one's understanding and appreciation of language, allowing for a deeper interpretation of texts. Carefully chosen comparisons, such as metaphorical expressions, can provide profound insights into abstract concepts by relating them to more tangible, experiential phenomena.