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Both The Canterbury Tales and "Risking It" use metaphors to

advance the narrator or speaker's purpose. How effective are both
passages in their use of metaphor as a rhetorical device?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Both 'The Canterbury Tales' and 'Risking It' effectively use metaphors to deepen characterization and critique society or to evoke emotional understanding in readers, making the narrative more engaging and memorable.

Step-by-step explanation:

Both The Canterbury Tales and "Risking It" effectively utilize metaphors as a rhetorical device to enhance the narrative and engage the reader. Metaphors compare two things without using "like" or "as," directly stating one thing is another, to create powerful imagery or to convey complex ideas in a more accessible way. For example, when a writer describes a situation as "a rollercoaster of emotions," they are implying that the experience has ups and downs and evokes visceral reactions, just like a physical rollercoaster would, without literally being one. In contrast, similes make a comparison while using "like" or "as," such as in the phrase "brave as a lion."

The use of metaphor in The Canterbury Tales allows the author to imbue characters with deeper traits and critique social mores without overt exposition, thus making the narrative more engaging and thought-provoking. Similarly, in "Risking It," metaphors serve to capture the essence of an experience or an emotion, enabling readers to draw parallels with their own lives and understand the subject matter on a deeper level. This figurative language draws readers into the story, making them feel present and emotionally invested in the narrative.

In both cases, the effectiveness of a metaphor hin_ges on its ability to resonate with readers, create vivid imagery, and promote character or thematic development. The judicious use of this rhetorical device can turn a simple story into a memorable and profound experience.

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