In the contemporary society, introduction of literature research has extensively increased the volume of literature in every topic of interest a researcher may be interested in especially in use of tools of expression such as metaphors to present a symbolic view that a character displays in a play or a book.
As a matter of fact, irrespective of the level of knowledge and understanding of research facets, literature versions are inclusive of literature tools such as metaphors. Literature comparison is about enjoying the phrases, feeling the narrator’s words in action, imagining, and placing oneself in the writer’s shoes. Writings with consistent assumptions and symbolic insinuation add comprehensiveness to sentence structures of the phrases with hidden meaning.
Actually, the unique use of metaphors in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s book Notes from Underground and Sadegh Hedayat’s book “The Blind Owl” have perfectly fused to express the main theme especially when the characters interact depending on emotion and the mood in every scene.
In this treatise, the aspects of character reflection are analyzed and appropriate techniques and tools embraced to explain and extrapolate the significance of metaphors as used by Fyodor and Sadegh in their respective writings. Use of metaphor in characterization expresses the main theme especially when the characters interact depending on emotion and the mood in every scene.
Besides, this part reflects on role of artistic composition by the two narrators in their bid to exploit writing freedom through incorporation of metaphors in character traits and thematic reflection.
Literature is a passionate subject that requires originality when reading through it. Originality is an essential thing required to improve the manner in which we view the narration and understand it. As a matter of fact, from the external focus, a reader cannot connect the previous argument with the next point since the two have no absolute relationship when metaphors are not properly interpreted.
This aspect is narrow and creates an essence of assuming a static plot setting. This is a wise way to maintain the literature touch, making it simpler to understand. In these narrations, that is, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground and Sadegh Hedayat’s The Blind Owl have created a quantifiable and intrinsic reader understanding of what metaphoric use on a character was about and the resultant effect created.
In my view, without metaphors, these writings would be similar to watching a movie with no camera effects, no sound effects, and with unknown characters as the only aim is passing the message. In Fyodor’s use of the metaphor ‘the raging bull and mouse hitting the wall’, he succeeds in characterizing the powerful officer who in this case is the bull and the underground man representing the mouse. In daily life, a mouse is considered weak, dependent, and cannot stand on its own.
On the other hand, a bull is considered irrational and resort to physical strength to exercise authority instead of dialogue (Dostoevsky 46). Due to big ego, the bull’s (unnamed officer) character trait is that of an arrogant, tough talking, and inconsiderate blind law enforcer who is driven by desires of his stomach.
On the other hand, the mouse is the underground man who has to submit to the mighty bull in service in order to get means of daily survival. Interestingly, the wall in this case is an unending phenomenon which cannot be destroyed. Instead of focusing on either antagonistic or protagonist stand, the narrator present a brief on both sides.
He is comprehensive on presenting a quantifiable expository backed by a relevant, well research, and strong characterization in line with the main theme in the book. Consistent use of this metaphor more than once alongside other literary devises has made the two characters stand out as a protagonist verses an antagonist. However, at the end of the struggle, the spontaneous desire hits the wall for the underground man (mouse) who has to contend with the conditions laid down by the tough bull (officer).
On the other hand, Sadegh Hedayat’s The Blind Owl book presents a comprehensive and interesting use of the metaphor presenting the image of positioned wine to explicitly reveal the character trait of the temple dancer. The ambient mood is painted with color of the wine which is red.
This metaphor represents two meanings, that is, joy and sadness. Upon intoxication, the red wine takes the dancer into a world of fantasy and she feels alive as the narrator presents he character as jovial throughout the book. Unfortunate, the same character has to live with the pain of her family torture as those responsible celebrate the way wine makes her feel jovial (Hedayat 39).
Conclusively, the two narrators share a common thought in discussing the society from the aspect of exploitation, unaccountability, and blackmail by those in power over their subjects. In fact, the main driving force behind actions in the society is individuality despite endeavors a character may travel to achieve self definition.
Works Cited
Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Notes from the Underground, Alabama: Forgotten Books, 2008. Print.
Hedayat, Sadegh. The blind owl: dunia retak sang pencinta, Jakarta: Dastan Books, 2004. Print.