Metaphor Quote by David Joseph Cribbin
““Metaphor is a slippery eel, if it wasn't for its shock I'd stick to the easy catch of prose.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary Criticism, 2018
Metaphors are elusive and powerful; without their shock value, writers may default to plain prose, losing depth.
In simple terms: Metaphors add depth; prose is safe but dull.
Key Takeaway
Embrace metaphor for richer expression.
Themes
language
creativity
expression
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
critical
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- teaching literature
- public speaking
Key Concepts
metaphor
prose
literary technique
Questions to Reflect On
- When does metaphor become confusing?
- How can prose be made vivid without metaphor?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on metaphor can obscure meaning.
![“The sense of tragedy - according to Aristotle - comes, ironically enough, not from the protagonist's weak points but from his good qualities. Do you know what I'm getting at? People are drawn deeper into tragedy not by their defects but by their virtues. ... [But] we accept irony through a device…” quote by Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa9/haruki-murakami-21_accepting_the-sense-of-tragedy-according-to-aristo_23796.jpg)
