Assessment 1, Part B (16 marks)
Metaphorical Language
In the passage, metaphorical language has been used to enable the reader to understand more in-depth what they would have otherwise not been able to understand, in this case, the ensuing battle between the students, and the Lib Dems because of the tuition fee. They have also been significant in helping the user understand, and abide by the “show, don’t tell” rule. The use of metaphors has also been useful in Critical Discourse Analysis. As defined by O’Regan, John & Betzel, Anne. (2015), CDA as a methodology, enables the user to relate, and assess the meanings behind the use, description, analysis, and explanation of language. In this instance, the metaphor used in the phrase “Back-Stabbing Lib Dems” is a perfect example for undertaking a CDA analysis because the metaphor is used to conceptualize the ensuing ill feelings between the students and Lib Dems, due to ill feelings on tuition.
- “Back-stabbing Lib Dems” in this phrase has been used as a metaphorical figure. When interpreted literally, it means stabbing one in the back, which is painful, hurting, and lousy ordeal. However, it’s metaphorical meaning means betraying someone, or doing an action that would destroy, damage, or ruin their trust and reputation. It can also be an expression of unkind, disloyal, or unseemly remarks that are likely to cause harm. In the newspaper extract, the phrase has been used to explain how the Lib Dems betrayed the hope, and faith of students, by going against the agreement on tuition fees.
References
O’Regan, John & Betzel, Anne. (2015). Critical Discourse Analysis: A Sample Study of Extremism. 10.1002/9781119166283.ch19.