Monday, February 1, 2010

How can I create a metaphor or simile from my interpretation of Arrow’s character in The Cellist of Sarajevo?

An effective way to construct powerful metaphors and/or similes about a literary character is to do a brief character analysis before worrying about the creative part.


Using a graphic organizer or just taking notes on a simple list, scan through the story to find defining words/thoughts, feelings, and actions related to Arrow’s character.


A starter list could look something like this:


Arrow


Words/thoughts


  • “does not want to pull her trigger...because she can see that he doesn't want to pull his”

Feelings


  • Senses the cellist is important but is unsure why

  • Learns that world still can be good

Actions


  • Protects cellist with her sniper rifle

Once you are satisfied with your list, remember that a metaphor is a literary technique that connects two separate ideas with a comparison in order to make a surprising new or insightful meaning. A simile serves the same purpose, but always uses the words “like” or “as” to connect the ideas.


Scan through your list and brainstorm images that come to mind as you think about Arrow. For example, my note “learns that world still can be good” reminds me of a time that I saw a bright yellow dandelion growing in the middle of a pile of ash from a burned down house in my neighborhood. So I might write, “Arrow’s world seems to be covered in dark ashes, but her hope still lives, like a single bright flower struggling to the surface among the rubble.”


My advice would be to write four or five metaphors or similes and then choose the one that speaks the most to you and your assignment. Good luck!

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