Apples Quote by Mark Haddon
“The word "metaphor" means carrying something from one place to another . . . and it is when you describe something by using a word for something that it isn't. This means that the word "metaphor" is a metaphor. I think it should be called a lie because a pig is not like a day and people people do not have skeletons in their cupboards. And when I try and make a picture of the phrase in my head it just confuses me because imagining and apple in someone's eye doesn't have anything to do with liking someone a lot and it makes you forget what the person was talking about.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Language and Metaphor, Mark Haddon, 2005
The passage play how the term “metaphor” itself is a metaphor, highlighting the self‑referential nature of figurative language.
In simple terms: Metaphor is a metaphor about language.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the layers in figurative speech.
Themes
language
philosophy
semantics
literature
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
intellectual
curious
When to use this quote
- teaching language
- writing workshops
- critical reading
- public speaking
Key Concepts
self‑reference
conceptual recursion
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we accept metaphorical language despite its contradictions?
- How does recognizing metaphorical layers affect comprehension?
A Different Perspective
Metaphors can obscure meaning if overused.
