What Metaphor Best Captures Deception on a Seemingly Endless Path?

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The discussion centers on developing a metaphor for a story about navigating a path that leads home, where the protagonist discovers someone laying down the path just ahead of them. This character represents a violation of trust and betrayal, as the path lacks a clear destination and is reactive rather than directed. Various metaphorical ideas are explored, including the carrot on a stick, the Wizard of Oz's curtain, and Sherlock Holmes' footprints, but these are deemed too obvious or simplistic. The metaphor should serve as a scaffold for the narrative, enhancing its depth and potentially introducing a subplot. The concept of a treasure hunt is suggested, where the protagonist realizes they are being misled, reflecting feelings of frustration and betrayal. The metaphor aims to encapsulate the essence of the journey, emphasizing the emotional and philosophical themes of trust and direction in life. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating a multi-layered story that resonates with readers on a deeper level.
  • #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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