An extended metaphor is a literary device that develops a single metaphorical comparison over multiple lines, paragraphs, or even throughout an entire work of prose or poetry. Unlike a simple metaphor, which makes a brief comparison in one line or sentence, an extended metaphor elaborates on the comparison in greater detail, often using multiple related images or ideas to deepen the meaning and emotional impact. The structure of an extended metaphor involves two parts: the tenor , which is the main subject or idea being described, and the vehicle , which is the concept used to describe the tenor figuratively. For example, in Shakespeare’s famous metaphor "All the world’s a stage," the world is the tenor and the stage is the vehicle. Through an extended metaphor, this comparison is expanded to explore human life as a theatrical performance with various roles and acts
. Extended metaphors are used to create vivid, complex, and nuanced comparisons that can reveal deeper insights about characters, themes, or ideas in a memorable way. They are common in poetry, novels, speeches, and other forms of writing
. In summary, an extended metaphor is a sustained and elaborate metaphorical comparison that unfolds over multiple sentences or sections, enriching the text by repeatedly exploring the relationship between the two compared ideas
