Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure or speech in which one word, used to mean something literally, is used to figuratively represent another thing in order to create a new understanding in the mind of (in this case) the reader. This technique is used to give a work of literature more impact, by forcing readers to think about a concept in a different way. In the story, Kate equates falling with madness. Both Kate and readers realize that falling and madness are two separate ideas, but the way Kate describes it, a reader can easily see that the sensation of falling is an appropriate way to figuratively describe madness. Says Kate in the beginning: "Take care I said each time we left my father. . . . And I listened to my own words; I took care, too. That summer, I was afraid of falling." Kate starts to hang out more with...