What is metaphor or figurative analogy?

A metaphor or figurative analogy is fundamentally a form of comparison that highlights similarities between two distinct and often dissimilar things. This type of figurative language is used to create a deeper understanding or to evoke imagery by drawing connections that are not immediately obvious or literal.

When you regard metaphor or figurative analogy as a comparison of things that are not of the same type, it emphasizes the creative process of linking disparate ideas to convey complex emotions or concepts more effectively. For instance, saying "Time is a thief" does not mean time literally steals, but it suggests that time can take away moments from our lives in a way that a thief would. This illustrates how metaphors can convey profound meaning by transcending direct, literal interpretations.

The other options focus on comparisons or representations that are too straightforward or lack the creative nuance inherent in a metaphor. Metaphors specifically require a level of abstraction that allows for rich interpretations, which is not captured by a simple or literal comparison.