The 'handles' and 'sides' of metaphor
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Semiotica
Publication Date
12-2007
Volume
167
First Page
119
Last Page
134
Publisher
De Gruyter Mouton
Abstract
This article explores from a semiotic perspective the structural features of the 'poetic logic' that lies behind metonymy and metaphor. More specifically, it treats metonymy and metaphor not as 'abnormal' uses of language but as the results of the same indexical and iconic ways of thinking that we see elsewhere in our lives. The paper also brings to bear on the topic of metaphor some important insights from the late Chinese scholar Qian Zhong-shu, whose 'two handles and several sides' theory of metaphor seems to complement contemporary Western 'metaphorology' very well.
DOI
10.1515/SEM.2007.073
Print ISSN
00371998
Publisher Statement
Copyright © Walter de Gruyter.
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
DING, E. (2007). The 'handles' and 'sides' of metaphor. Semiotica, 167, 119-134.