Assignment #4 - Understanding Metonymy and Metaphor

What is metaphor? Give example from the reading.

A metaphor is "a descriptive word of phrase is transferred to an object or action different from, but analogous to, that to which it is literally applicable" (Orden, 2004, p. 1).  In other words, it's a figure of speech that is a word of phrase used in a sense other than it's literal meaning.  An example given from the reading is a fragrance given an image, which then means it's a metaphor that gives shape to a fantasy world that reflects that fragrance scent.  The scent and image are then connected through similarity. 

What is metonymy? give example from the reading.

A metonymy is "a word of phrase denoting an object, action, institution, etc., is functionally replaced with a word or phrase denoting one of its properties or something associated with it" (Orden, 2004, p. 1).  In layman's terms, a term or phrase used in substitution for the thing meant.  For instance, the Nike Swoosh is made to signify a whole chain of associations.  Another example not given in the text is the Under Armor symbol to signify power, endurance, strength, and performance. 

How did you apply the concepts of metaphor or metonymy? How well did you apply them? Give an example from your presentation of information.

I believe I applied the concepts of metaphor or metonymy in my presentation, but I could have done more examples.  I only used a few as a metaphor.  The first one I used was for the vacuole which is basically the storage organelle for excess food for the cell.  I used the terms "storage center" to evoke the idea of a storage facility/warehouse that we are accustomed to seeing. 

The second was for the Golgi body which is responsible for packaging proteins/carbs/fats/etc. into usable forms for the cell.  I used the terms "post office" to elicit the response that items are packed and shipped elsewhere for others to use, similarly to how the Golgi body performs in a cell. 

Review 3 of your peers presentation of information and  identify a good example of Metonymy and Metaphor. Take a screen shot of the example upload it to your blog and explain why it is a good example. 

Example of metaphor


This picture is a good example of a metaphor used by a classmate.  This shows that there is diversity and that not everyone is the same.  There are differences such as color, size, shape, features, etc.


Example of metonymy:
           
This is an example of metonymy because it has a picture of different equipment but it is connecting them to the topic of sports.  Metonymys connect images with ideas, concepts, or topics and this picture connects all the items by the overall term of sports. 


References:
Orden, A. (2004, January 1). metaphor-metonymy. metaphor-metonymy. Retrieved June 7, 2014, from http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/metaphormetonym.htm