Examples of Analogies

An analogy is a comparison of the similarities or like features of two things, such as the analogy between an idea and a light bulb turning on. Analogies are a tool that are common in literature and serve the purpose of simplifying a concept or idea. The concept of an analogy is to create a bridge between the elements they describe, which may be connected by other relationships or concepts. The aim is draw out the common elements of the analogy. In other words, analogies provide a picture to the reader, giving them a visual image or understanding of the idea you are trying to project.

Types of Analogies

Grammar Analogies - the comparison of two different objects, things or ideas that are alike in some way.

Poetry Analogy - an agreement or similarity between objects, ideas, or concepts that are similar but different, for example sleeping like the dead.

Rhetoric Analogy - spoken analogies or textual comparisons between words to define a semantic similarity between the two ideas. These are typically used to strengthen political or philosophical arguments.

Examples of Analogies

Reading a few examples may help explain this concept better.

Hunting is to a lioness as working is for a businessman
Pen is to paper, as a keyboard is to a computer screen.
Winter brings the snow, as spring brings the rain.
Solving this problem was like breaking down a mountain with a pebble.

Analogy Quotes

'I did not lose myself all at once. I rubbed out my face over the years washing away my pain, the same way carvings on stone are worn down by water.'

Amy Tan

God not only plays dice, He also sometimes throws the dice where they cannot be seen.

Stephen Hawking

I think of life itself now as a wonderful play that I've written for myself, and so my purpose is to have the utmost fun playing my part.

Shirley MacLaine

'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet'.
Juliet, Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

This last analogy was said by Juliet in Shakespeare's play Romeo & Juliet. She uses this simply analogy when speaking of Romeo's surname, Montague - the hated rival family. Despite this name, like a rose, she still sees the beautiful qualities in Romeo, meaning even if you were to call a rose, stinkweed, it would still smell sweet like a rose. Hopefully you will find this article on the examples of analogy useful and informative.