Metaphorically Speaking
Can one think of a better way to describe something, other than by comparison to another familiar, known object? This is indeed the idea behind the metaphor. Metaphors are composed of the tenor, the subject matter that is being referred to, and the vehicle, the metaphorical term itself. Many great writers have utilized metaphors to create illustrious pieces of work. The metaphor is a useful tool in description and evoking a certain tone that the author wishes to create. Metaphors can be subtle or obviously stated. In the song, "Triumph" by the Wu Tang Clan, the writers use metaphors differently to enhance the meaning of his song. The writers use many implied, metaphors, similes, as well as self-reflexive comparisons to help the listener achieve a more lucid picture of the messages in the song. First, the most common types of metaphors used in the song are implied metaphors. Throughout the song, the writers try to create an image of warfare. They implicitly compare the Wu Tang Clan to fighting a battle. This can be seen in line 34 where it states, "Guns of Navarone, tearing up your battle zone." Although it is not specifically stated where the "
battle zone" is located, one can deduce that the writers are talking about predominantly poor, African American neighborhoods, where for some people, the streets are as dangerous as real combat. On the same note, the writers use the metaphor "It's court adjourned, for the bad seed from bad sperm" to make a social comment. It is understood that the "bad sperm" are the parents of children who, under the circumstances, cannot be raised in a good environment due mostly to poor examples from their parents. Another example of an implied metaphor can be taken out of lines 77-82. In the verse, the writers are giving the listener a description of the Vietnam War. They use the vehicle of "war of the masses" to describe the war. The "million names on walls engraved in plaques" refers to the people whose names are on the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. By dedicating an entire verse to such a significant war, the writers give the listener a somber tone of tragedy. It is a reminder of the outcomes of war and an effective way of stating their views on the matter. Finally, the writers continue the war theme in line 88 where it is written, "As we engage in battle, the crowd now screams in rage." This line is significant in that it has a double meaning. First, it can be seen that the "battle" is an implied metaphor for a concert. Although it is not stated, the listener can conclude this by the "crowd" and in the following line there is a person on stage. By comparing a concert to a battle, it gives the listener the chaotic emotion that would be present perhaps in a real Wu Tang concert. The other interpretation of the line is that the writers are again denouncing war, by stating that the crowd is in a "rage", that they are angered by the batt
Some common words found in the essay are:
Wu Tang, Tang Clan, Washington DC, African American, Metaphorically Speaking, Central Station, Guns Navarone, York Finally, Vietnam War, wu tang, wu tang clan, Falsafi English, tang clan, help listener, song writers, metaphors similes, melt steel, metaphors similes compare, implied metaphors, self-reflexive comparisons, writers metaphors, song triumph, grand central station, meaning song writers,
Approximate Word count = 1180
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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