What Metaphor Best Captures Deception on a Seemingly Endless Path?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the search for an effective metaphor to illustrate themes of deception and betrayal in a story about a seemingly endless path. Participants suggest various metaphors, including the "carrot on a stick," "the man behind the curtain," and the "treasure hunt," each highlighting the frustration of pursuing a path that leads nowhere. The metaphor should encapsulate the protagonist's experience of trust violation and the futility of following a path that is continuously being laid down just ahead of them. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a metaphor that serves as a scaffold for the narrative, enriching its layers and symbolism.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of narrative structure and metaphor in storytelling
  • Familiarity with literary devices and their impact on themes
  • Knowledge of character development and plot dynamics
  • Awareness of classic literary references, such as Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken"
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the use of metaphors in literature, focusing on their role in character development
  • Research narrative techniques that enhance themes of deception and betrayal
  • Analyze the symbolism in Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" and its applications in modern storytelling
  • Investigate the concept of unreliable narrators and their effect on reader perception
USEFUL FOR

Writers, storytellers, and literary enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of metaphorical language and its application in narrative construction, particularly in themes of deception and trust.

  • #31
PazHeping said:
Yeah. But isn’t that the point? You need to be comfortable with horizons being ‘non earthly’ if you would like to venture into the poetic world that the original post implies.
OK, I see your point. Post #5 explains better what I hope to accomplish with the metaphor. It's not just a one-off; it's a scaffold upon which to build out the story's symbolism. It might even be a subplot to act as a foil to the main plot (the main plot being too cerebral to "show don't tell").

Jiminy Cricket was a metaphor - a physical embodiment of Pinocchio's conscience, whispering in his ear throughout the story, guiding him and informing him, and, importantly, giving a voice to elements of the story and its moral message that are not visually demonstrable.
 
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  • #32
It reminds me of the game Portal. "The cake is a lie".
 

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