Metaphor
A figure of speech that directly equates two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as' (unlike simile). Metaphor creates new meaning by juxtaposing disparate concepts, forcing the reader to find unexpected connections.
Real World
In Ted Hughes's 'Hawk Roosting', the hawk declares 'I hold Creation in my foot', a metaphor that equates the bird's talon with godlike power, forcing readers to see nature as tyrannical rather than peaceful.
Exam Focus
Distinguish metaphor from simile explicitly, then explore what the direct equation implies that a comparison using 'like' would not.
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