What Does Metaphor Mean in Poetry?

In poetry, a metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another. It is used to create vivid imagery and convey emotions and themes in a more impactful way. For example, "Her eyes were stars" metaphorically compares the brightness and beauty of someone's eyes to the stars in the sky. This literary device is an essential tool for poets to evoke strong emotions and create deeper connections with the reader. In the South African Grade 9 Language and Literature curriculum, analyzing metaphors helps students understand the layers of meaning in poetry.