Analogies, Metaphors, and Personification

Hindu images may be seen as an attempt to describe powers greater than humankind. Knowable forces such as the forces of nature serve as metaphors to help us understand the power of the divine. The god Shiva is seen as both the Preserver and the Destroyer. The divine power of Shiva can be understood by using an analogy from the natural world such as the destructive power and the rejuvenating aspects of a hurricane. Although a hurricane with its fierce winds and heavy rains can create massive destruction, the result is often a sudden burst of new plant growth.

Objective

At the end of this activity students will be able to

• discuss the use of visual images, analogies, metaphors, and personification to help explain abstract ideas

Activity

• Define and discuss analogy, metaphor, and personification. The activity sheet on the next page may be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students working as individuals or in small teams to create a visual image, a written description, or a verbal report that uses a metaphor to describe a power greater than humankind (divine power, nuclear power, nature).

Continued...

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