Ocean Vuong writes that good metaphors are “exploratory” rather than “performative.” Metaphors should help us deepen our relationship to and understanding of the world, not show off our writerly cleverness. If I say, “Life is a ketchup packet (predictable inside, yet hard to open without making a mess)” that’s performative because it reads more like “look at me, being clever” than as a genuine statement in search of the meaning of life.
What Makes For A Good Metaphor?
What Makes For A Good Metaphor?
What Makes For A Good Metaphor?
Ocean Vuong writes that good metaphors are “exploratory” rather than “performative.” Metaphors should help us deepen our relationship to and understanding of the world, not show off our writerly cleverness. If I say, “Life is a ketchup packet (predictable inside, yet hard to open without making a mess)” that’s performative because it reads more like “look at me, being clever” than as a genuine statement in search of the meaning of life.