Part 2 Metaphor

Once you have selected your object, you will explain your object’s intrinsic qualities through metaphor and analogy. 

When Einstein introduced his theory of relativity he made the laws of physics absolute (fixed), and time and distance relative (contextual).  This was a very new and difficult concept that he had to introduce in 1905.  So he said:

 “We have to take into account that all our judgments in which time plays a part are always judgments of simultaneous events.  If, for instance , I say “That train arrives here at 7 o’clock,” I mean something like this:” The pointing of the small hand of my watch to 7 and the arrival of the train are simultaneous events”

Einstein uses comparisons to explain the most difficult concepts, and hopefully we get it.  Well-made comparisons make us think. Analogies, metaphors and similes are comparisons. Actually Einstein described his thinking process as: “A storm broke loose in my mind”

Analogy is used to explain an unknown object or concept by way of a known thing, experience or concept:

            “What does rattlesnake taste like?”

            “It tastes like Chicken”

The above used the known taste of chicken to explain the unknown taste of rattlesnake. Analogies seek close similarities between their subjects - the closer, the better. Rattlesnake might not taste exactly like chicken, but at least I have some idea what to expect when I take that first bite.

Metaphor is subtler. In a metaphor, an object or experience is actually substituted for the original object, but remains true to the concept embodied by the original object. In the phrase

            “All the world is a stage”

We know that the world is not actually a stage, Outward similarities are unimportant - they can actually ruin a good metaphor - it is the idea that governs. The most powerful metaphors are those that are unexpected - they shock us into a new way of understanding our subject.

Simile compares two different things in order to create a new meaning

               “All the world is like a stage”

Objectives

• To apply your understanding of the formal principals learned thought the semester to a 3 dimensional transformation. You will demonstrate this understanding by applying the principals to the analysis and abstraction of a real object.
• To approach design problems with a clearly defined analytical process that will result in a solution that is firmly based on concepts which solve the unique characteristics of a problem statement.

To Do

• Research and study your object and it's functional and aesthetic characteristics. Write your thoughts down, then search for ideas and things that are similar to the original object.
• Pick a metaphor that represents your object.- Use these to explain your object through metaphor and/or analogy.
• Write a paragraph or so- max - 250 words in your own words- - about your metaphor/analogy or  and how you came to it.