Creative Writing

Lesson 3
Using Analogy
What is an Analogy?

• It is an extended comparison between two

things. Seasoned writers often use analogies
so that readers may better understand what
they wrote about.
What is the purpose of an Analogy?
• The purpose of an analogy is not merely to show, but also
to explain. For this reason, analogy is more complex than a
simile or a metaphor, which aim only to show without
explaining.
• Similes and metaphor can be used to make an analogy, but
usually analogies have additional information to get their
point across.
 Two Types of Analogy
1.Analogies that identify identical relationships.
This type of analogy is use to directly illustrate similar relationships between
two pairs of words, often for purpose of logical argument.
A is to B as C is to D.
Example: Black is to White as On is to Off.
(The relationship between black and white (opposite) is exactly comparable to
relationship between on and off (opposite).
 Two Types of Analogy
2. Analogies that identify shared abstract
This type of analogy compares two things that are technically
unrelated, in order to draw comparisons between an attribute or
pattern they share.
Example:
Raising children is like gardening — nurture them and be patient.
 How do you write a good Analogy?
• In writing, analogy can be useful to explain an unfamiliar concept or ideas.
Tips:
1. Try to create easy-to-understand imagery ( examples must be common and
easily understood)
2. Work to compare and contrast ( think about possible connections between the
two things — both similarities and differences)
3. Think of ways to inspire – best analogies both explain and inspire, a powerful
way to communicate a message.
 What is the difference between Analogy,
Simile, and Metaphor?
Simile is saying something is like something else.
Example: Life is like a box of chocolates.
Metaphor is often poetically saying is something else.
Example: Life is a box of chocolates.
Analogy something is like something else to make some sort of explanatory point.
Example: Life is like a box of chocolates— you never know what you’re gonna get.

[( you can use metaphors and similes when creating an analogy), (A simile is a type of metaphor. All similes are metaphor, but not all
metaphors are similes.)]