Metaphors, Similes, and Oxymoron

Metaphors

Metaphors are comparisons that show how two things bare one specific characteristic when both appear dissimilar to each other in many other ways. Metaphors are widely used in various literature content to describe something more creatively, and to offer the reader with a quest to think about the hidden meaning behind such application. Unlike similes, this figure of speech state that something is something else. 

Simile
The comparison of two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'. Similes are approximations, where as metaphors are equations. Hence, one element of a simile can never be substituted by the other. Both have almost similar characteristics, but not exactly the same.


Oxymoron
A figure of speech in which two contradictory terms are combined to make effective phrases within various content. Understanding of certain oxymoron requires a knowledge of verbal or regional interpretations. 

Ex: Pretty Ugly - The word 'Pretty' basically means beautiful. It is also being used in context to indicate a fairly large amount. Therefore, these contradictory terms when combined together implies a state of being  extremely ugly.

Juxtaposition: Intro.

The term, juxtaposition is referred to the placement of two figures of any kind side by side or close together, which is often presented in a way that induces the viewer to make a comparison - to figure out the similarities or variances.

A perception of a juxtaposition may differ from one person to another in different cultural and educational backgrounds. When two contrasted yet somehow correlated items appear together, human observational methods are naturally functioned to reconsider the ideology behind the subject of interest in the items. The understanding can often be irrational as that is what the viewer is expected to acquire. Thus, it is intended to stimulate creativity.
 
Application of juxtaposition can be seen in forms like, music, film, literature, paintings, photography, etc. Abrupt changes of rhythm and elements are used to achieve juxtaposition in music. Academy award winning original score for the animated feature film, 'UP' is a great example for an application of juxtaposition in music. It portrays several emotions and feelings one after another by merely changing the rhythm.

     The New Vision         

photographer: Tanjica Perovic           

The two elements overlaid in this photograph, in which a 19th century building reflected in the windows of a modern office, vividly shows a contrast based on the time. 



Example: Merlin TV Series (BBC)

Magic/Human: In this adaption of Arthurian Legend, People with magical gifts disguise themselves among the normal civilians as magic is completely prohibited within the borders of the Camelot. Merlin is among those who are gifted, and he lives in disguise to fulfill his destiny as the guardian of Prince Arthur.
 
Guardian/Servant: Even though Merlin appears to be just another servant for Aurthur, he was not aware of the sacrifice done by Merlin himself as a secret guardian to save Arthur's life in many occasions.
 
Warrior/Weakling: in comparison to Arthur's skills in combat, Merlin appears as a weakling in the battlefield. The hidden truth is, Merlin hides his true self in Arthur's presence for greater good, and therefore cannot be considered as a weakling, but a true warrior in his own strength.
 
Unfeeling/Sympathetic: Arthur's father, King Uther, is happened to be a man of his word. He would not change his judgment even if it leads to an execution of a young boy. In the episode, in which the druid boy, Mordred, appears for the first time, Arthur followed his father's orders without any hesitation, but later on his feelings were overcame with a desire to help the druid boy. He proved that he can be a better king than his father has ever been.