Unmixed Metaphors
Most people are familiar with the phrase “mixed metaphors” in which two different concepts are connected to create a figurative comparison. Sometimes that can be a big deal, buy more often can be easily overlooked. Nevertheless, the use of two similes to create a comparison works most efficiently and elegantly when the two comparisons are coherently connected, such as this example:
“You have enjoyed our daily recreational trips when we formed in line, myself in front swimming gracefully, like a locomotive, and your charming mother bringing up the rear, like a caboose.”
It’s in the Title
The concept of Trumpeter Swans is metaphorical in itself. The reference results in number of metaphorical images throughout the story that link sound as a comparison:
“if you had been sitting by the pond on that first warm day of spring, suddenly, toward the end of the afternoon, you would have heard a stirring sound high above you in the air—a sound like the sound of trumpets.”
Precision
A metaphor creates an image in the mind, but sometimes the image is incomplete. An author will make the comparison but in a vague way. Adding a little more information creates precision that narrows down the comparison to an essential quality:
“Each note was like a jewel held to the light.”
The Unfairness of it All
Louis is bemoaning the state of being born mute. He sinks into a little depressive episode at the unfairness of it. And at that point, sinking down into self-pity he searches for an answer to the explain that injustice. As is often the case, the answer is a metaphorical personification of the forces of destiny:
“Fate is cruel to me.”
Trying the Trumpet
When Louis is first given the trumpet, he has a little difficulty mastering the instrument. As could be expected. His first attempt is, in fact, a long way off from that “stirring sound” mentioned earlier:
“It wasn’t a very pretty noise, but at least it was a noise. It sounded a little like hot air escaping from a radiator.”
