The art of the metaphor - Jane Hirshfield

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  • Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
  • View full lesson on ed.ted.com ed.ted.com/less...
    How do metaphors help us better understand the world? And, what makes a good metaphor? Explore these questions with writers like Langston Hughes and Carl Sandburg, who have mastered the art of bringing a scene or emotion to life.
    Lesson by Jane Hirshfield, animation by Ben Pearce

КОМЕНТАРІ • 617

  • @TheLaughingOut
    @TheLaughingOut 12 років тому +886

    I love how the speaker uses metaphors to explain what metaphors are.

    • @Bhuvan_MS
      @Bhuvan_MS 3 роки тому +7

      9 years and 99 likes lol

    • @adamnoe7733
      @adamnoe7733 2 роки тому +5

      It's recursive baby. Makes me wonder where the meaning starts.

    • @jijinxx
      @jijinxx 2 роки тому +19

      English teachers uses English to teach English

    • @gonzalot.605
      @gonzalot.605 Рік тому +5

      It really shows how powerful metaphors can be.

    • @sebastiaan.6493
      @sebastiaan.6493 Рік тому +1

      how mataphoric

  • @MusingOverTea
    @MusingOverTea 12 років тому +160

    This video makes me realize that poetry isn't pointless. This video has taught me more about poetry than any teacher. Thank you.

  • @aminadiop1772
    @aminadiop1772 8 років тому +743

    Why does this make me feel sad?

    • @AnandVenigalla
      @AnandVenigalla 8 років тому +101

      Because the voice and animation have something sad about 'em

    • @shivandana
      @shivandana 8 років тому +58

      It made me sad as well, its her voice... Not really suitable

    • @kamanashisroy
      @kamanashisroy 8 років тому +33

      Because sad people are prone to think about life in dubious/extreme/deep/metaphoric way. And the poem and story telling is like making the people more attentive in a sad/fearful way(at least in old days).

    • @wsk9734
      @wsk9734 8 років тому +10

      Perhaps more sentimental than truly morose?

    • @pm0913
      @pm0913 8 років тому +1

      Me. Lmao I'm depressing I guess wow

  • @manic_design7301
    @manic_design7301 8 років тому +1250

    I'm confused as a homeless man on house arrest.

    • @pinchme6797
      @pinchme6797 8 років тому +18

      +Manic_design i see what you did there, lol

    • @SuperDantey
      @SuperDantey 8 років тому +13

      +PinchMe haha got me laffing on this one cleaver LOL

    • @rosaliadiaz7073
      @rosaliadiaz7073 6 років тому +3

      Manic_design 😂😂😂

    • @jjsmith706
      @jjsmith706 6 років тому +53

      Clearly, since that's a simile and not a metaphor.

    • @Der.Geschichtenerzahler
      @Der.Geschichtenerzahler 5 років тому +6

      Believe me or not in the city of Sao Paulo a homeless man was sentenced to house arrest

  • @sharkbaitblu
    @sharkbaitblu 8 років тому +725

    I utterly enjoyed this. Beautifully written, animated and spoken. So touching and delicate yet so informative and thought provoking. Well done.

  • @911ambulancegirl
    @911ambulancegirl 9 років тому +589

    There is actually a historical context behind the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" The first explanation is that when roofs were thatched domestic animals sought shelter there, and when it rained hard enough they would slip and fall, or abandon that shelter to find better shelter, and so it would quite literally "rain" cats and dogs. Another explanation is that when it rained hard enough for there to be water running in the streets it would wash the bodies of animals that had died down the streets to the rivers and so it looked like it was "raining" cats and dogs. I believe there are others, but I'll leave it at that.

    • @96navya
      @96navya 8 років тому +14

      +911ambulancegirl A ball of sunshine that quote is :p

    • @911ambulancegirl
      @911ambulancegirl 8 років тому +4

      Nova starr no doubt!!!

    • @marianacaplan711
      @marianacaplan711 8 років тому +25

      +911ambulancegirl yeah, just like how "Sleep tight" is referring to when in colonial times, the beds where held up by ropes and if the ropes got too loose they would have to get up and tighten them to keep the bed steady.

    • @911ambulancegirl
      @911ambulancegirl 8 років тому +30

      Nova starr You know what I have found? Some people don't appreciate this historical stuff as much as I do... Like the other day, at a wedding... The bride. She was showing me her bouquet, and I told her that the historical context of brides carrying flowers was because women in those days didn't take baths very often, and so to hide the stench, they would carry flowers, hoping their new husbands weren't put off by the smell. She threw the flowers (BEFORE the wedding, and RIGHT AT ME so I got to catch them!!!) and walked away. I didn't get to tell her about the historical context of flowers at funerals, which was what I was about to go into... Her brother had just died a few days before... Busy girl! SMH... I just don't get people who don't like history.

    • @96navya
      @96navya 8 років тому +10

      911ambulancegirl lol, you're now my fav person!! ikr.. the history is more interesting than the actual quote and it just shows the sheep mentality of us humans who go on with the 'traditions'.

  • @aragoth95
    @aragoth95 11 років тому +137

    "By making a handle, you can make a world."
    Beautiful.

    • @jarige4489
      @jarige4489 Рік тому

      Such a great quote, simply beautiful.

  • @owenivor
    @owenivor 10 років тому +273

    Being with you is a road that's blocked for good. (metaphor)
    Being with you is like a road that's blocked for good. (simile)

    • @bennyportilla3452
      @bennyportilla3452 10 років тому +5

      Sweet!

    • @newmankind
      @newmankind 9 років тому +88

      being with you sucks (reality)

    • @avery7964
      @avery7964 4 роки тому +4

      Norayr Gasparyan bruh 😂

    • @rameenali3252
      @rameenali3252 4 роки тому +1

      Excellent

    • @RinRinsMiilkTea
      @RinRinsMiilkTea 4 роки тому +2

      Out of all the learning and videos and searches I've done, this is the only thing that has helped me lmaoo

  • @Lee4Gitr
    @Lee4Gitr 12 років тому +34

    I love how TED has evolved. What was once a long explanation has now been reduced without loss to a consistent representation of ideas through the use of art.
    .

  • @chelbe06
    @chelbe06 3 роки тому +33

    This was so beautifully done, between the animation and the lovely gentle narration, I really enjoyed this lesson on metaphors!

  • @BJ-fj6jw
    @BJ-fj6jw 2 роки тому +17

    You'll probably not find this comment, but I still wanted to thank you for this excellent bird's eye view of "Metaphor". Love the ending carry away point: paraphrased....metaphor is a door handle opening the door of a new world....
    Such concise, informative and memorable points that I'm sure took time to put together for us. Many light bulbs flicked on. Many thanks to you.

  • @seredahawke3207
    @seredahawke3207 8 років тому +97

    I would like to have an actual pair of dream shoes, they could come in handy for brainstorming.

    • @N0Numberz
      @N0Numberz 7 років тому +8

      Sereda Hawke Would you want to ruin a good pair of shoes in a brainstorm?

    • @jamessmith6909
      @jamessmith6909 5 років тому +2

      still, a good brainstorm can help wash away the strains of a day

  • @1ucasvb
    @1ucasvb 5 років тому +17

    After all these years, this is still one of my favorite videos.

  • @46huckfinn
    @46huckfinn Рік тому +4

    This is one of the best explanations of metaphors that I've seen.

  • @danlightened
    @danlightened 5 років тому +25

    Her voice sounds like just a voice that guides you in the beginning of a dystopian futuristic sci fi game.

  • @eddy-ea
    @eddy-ea 5 років тому +8

    I love you guys. i basically teach a summer class and no other thing could teach the "art" of metaphor like this video. explaining it in a deep way and braking it down, its so powerful. i wish i could contribute to what Ted Ed does
    thank you so much

  • @lindyinggs6923
    @lindyinggs6923 2 роки тому +11

    this taught me a lot about metaphors. The animation was beautifully done and very well written

  • @KimRosen13
    @KimRosen13 12 років тому +6

    What a gift! Watch this delicious lesson on metaphor (supposedly for kids!!) and learn an ocean-worth about listening to and writing poems. What fun! What brilliance. Jane Hirshfield is a true treasure. I've been reading not only her poems but her words on poems and I'm bowing in gratitude.

  • @chaoswebz
    @chaoswebz 7 років тому +149

    The narrator of this should do ASMR... almost put me to sleep.

    • @aishanaeem6582
      @aishanaeem6582 3 роки тому +3

      they probably almost put you to sleep because it's boaring af

    • @joecook5689
      @joecook5689 3 роки тому

      What is ASMR?

    • @michellewest6929
      @michellewest6929 3 роки тому +2

      @@joecook5689 Look it up on YT, it’s hard to explain in words. Basically sounds that are soothing to the ear and put you to sleep. Whispers for example.

  • @shakesmctremens178
    @shakesmctremens178 7 років тому +8

    Wow, best TedEd yet. UA-cam needs more writing this good.

  • @jyotishreeenayak
    @jyotishreeenayak 7 місяців тому +2

    There's a paradox to metaphors. Wow. Learnt so much about metaphors through metaphors.

  • @1ucasvb
    @1ucasvb 12 років тому +14

    Everything about this was absolutely beautiful and enlightening. Amazing animation too!

  • @ASHLEY-ur6tc
    @ASHLEY-ur6tc 4 роки тому +2

    among those TedEd vids I've watched, this one's my fave so far.

  • @the_elder_sibling
    @the_elder_sibling 3 роки тому +13

    "Painting is a poetry which is seen rather than felt and poetry is a painting which is felt rather than seen" Leonardo da vinci

  • @rosalindjacobs4981
    @rosalindjacobs4981 9 років тому +10

    I love it and will definitely use this in my literature class. Thanks

  • @officiallycool1467
    @officiallycool1467 Рік тому +2

    after hearing this lesson, im inspired to write and to learn more from Jane Hirschfield. I bet she has a lot of amazing works.

  • @yokeimon
    @yokeimon 9 років тому +7

    Epistemology...
    These little skits are quite powerful and informative; I wish this will be shared inside classrooms.

  • @jamesgrey13
    @jamesgrey13 9 років тому +65

    This lesson lit the hallways of the corridor of the metaphor for me! :D

    • @raynalramadhan8789
      @raynalramadhan8789 9 років тому +7

      Tony James Gilpin It grows up different shade of greens in my dried forest of metaphor!

  • @stevegonzales9
    @stevegonzales9 12 років тому +4

    Maybe because this feels more appealing. You go to school every day. This is a warm change that you enjoy every once in a while. Maybe you pay more attention to this than to school because this is something you want to learn.

  • @mikefarrell5996
    @mikefarrell5996 6 місяців тому

    The more I listen to this the more respect I have for metaphors. The more Jane Hirshfield I read the more brilliant I think she is. Thanks for this little Ted-Ed.

  • @hanbanan2251
    @hanbanan2251 4 місяці тому

    My favorite video to use in the classroom and to send to any aspiring poet!

  • @screenwatcher949
    @screenwatcher949 9 років тому +301

    Jane's voice is as sweet as honey!

    • @Hexspa
      @Hexspa 8 років тому +16

      +Broguy the Shy Guy A simile but ya

    • @J4laYT
      @J4laYT 7 років тому +8

      You would say Jane's voice is sweet honey!

    • @KikomochiMendoza
      @KikomochiMendoza 7 років тому +1

      Broguy 22 you can't taste voices you silly goose :D

    • @jaycejohnson6846
      @jaycejohnson6846 7 років тому +3

      Broguy 22 I thought it was Wynona Rider!

    • @nguyetnhat6699
      @nguyetnhat6699 6 років тому +1

      I would said “ Jane’s cotton voice melt my heart”

  • @FM-cu9mk
    @FM-cu9mk 5 років тому +1

    I am always touched and influnced by the content and the words of those videos, they take me to another world.

  • @Immissawsom
    @Immissawsom 4 роки тому +2

    this has officially become my favourite video ever.

  • @vitornesello
    @vitornesello 6 років тому

    I like how in the end you make more intense use of metaphors to describe what is a metaphor

  • @rogersledz6793
    @rogersledz6793 2 роки тому +3

    Thank you so much for uploading this video. It is helping me get through the pandemic!

  • @noorasrte6068
    @noorasrte6068 4 роки тому +18

    That moment when you realize she's explaining metaphor through metaphor

  •  6 років тому +1

    Absolutely lovely and gently illuminating.

  • @chris111690
    @chris111690 12 років тому +2

    Not boring, beautiful. These Videos are always so beautiful and well made.

  • @alexhopewell449
    @alexhopewell449 4 роки тому +14

    I actually like "Tired as a whale."

  • @The_Math_Enthusiast
    @The_Math_Enthusiast 4 роки тому

    Her voice is so soothing!!

  • @InflatableAlien
    @InflatableAlien 8 років тому +27

    I think the first couple of examples "Raining cats and dogs" and "waiting for the other shoe to drop" are actually idioms as their meaning cannot be easily guessed and there are no paralelles drawn, otherwise great video

    • @mystylangston4803
      @mystylangston4803 4 роки тому

      Find my comment it give the explanation

    • @clintlocks4665
      @clintlocks4665 3 роки тому +5

      Good point! But an idiom is a *type* of metaphor, just like a simile is. (Uh, sorry for the mobius).

  • @tankemall
    @tankemall 12 років тому +1

    Brilliant. She's right you know, about the poems. I don't remember the names or the poem word for word, but I instantly remember the poem from the first metaphor.

  • @paoloangelino24
    @paoloangelino24 9 років тому +63

    Some say the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice. I say the darker the flesh and the deeper the roots. #pac

    • @wallflovr
      @wallflovr 4 роки тому

      What flesh for what roots !🤔

    • @existenz4930
      @existenz4930 4 роки тому

      @@wallflovr listen to 2pac music

  • @ChrisMakhoba
    @ChrisMakhoba 3 роки тому +2

    The visual representation was just excellent very helpful 💕

  • @janreed99
    @janreed99 10 років тому +11

    Best explanation I've seen on the topic.........

  • @octopusvidsforyou9249
    @octopusvidsforyou9249 7 років тому

    ya she has a very calming voice through my preciption

  • @mckennaaisswaggy4512
    @mckennaaisswaggy4512 3 роки тому

    Idk why but I find this video very soothing and it gives me really good vibes like what

  • @TheHugosouthafrica
    @TheHugosouthafrica 12 років тому

    I have learnt more from this video than in most others on the web. Open your mind

  • @YtubeUserr
    @YtubeUserr 8 років тому +3

    TED-Ed is reaching for video excellence with the enthusiasm of a dog on heat.

  • @EvilEddtheRed
    @EvilEddtheRed 5 місяців тому +1

    Fabulous!
    Though metaphors are so powerful, 'as tired as a whale' instantly reminds me that some whales sleep floating vertically in groups, and that whale-song could be particularly expressive, weary yawns.

  • @dengbeny
    @dengbeny 5 років тому +10

    she looks at me with her dark coffee eyes and says "this video's really helpful but makes me feel sad, like a cat born in the middle of winter's street ".

  • @avery7964
    @avery7964 4 роки тому +1

    I am starting to become obsessed with metaphor because it’s so unique and creative. I got into them because of My Chemical Romance. Listen to their songwriting they write in metaphor.

  • @Lionbug
    @Lionbug 7 років тому +3

    Fantastic, incredible Job on the animation Ben!!

  • @mitchjohnsonabel2351
    @mitchjohnsonabel2351 2 роки тому

    the voice of the speaker is so soothing

  • @mssaarahn
    @mssaarahn 8 років тому +11

    I liked the narration, it fit the content well.

  • @Pablo-oh1ew
    @Pablo-oh1ew 3 роки тому +1

    This video give more knowledge then my college teachers taking whole class just to explain what the meaning of metaphor

  • @firdausparvez1699
    @firdausparvez1699 Рік тому +2

    I loved it! So well explained!

  • @jimlefevre
    @jimlefevre 12 років тому +1

    Wonderful film, wonderful script, well done Messrs Hirshfield and Pearce (and the people commissioning these too)

  • @iamgracefully
    @iamgracefully 3 роки тому +1

    It's interesting and informative. It broadens my idea about metaphor in artistic way.

  • @lakitu21
    @lakitu21 12 років тому

    More of these please, NOW!

  • @hiro95959
    @hiro95959 12 років тому

    I wish my 4th grade teacher could have/ would have used this. TED needs to be in classrooms more often.

  • @hero9402
    @hero9402 4 роки тому

    i can watch these metaphor visual all day

  • @TonySinyaev
    @TonySinyaev 9 років тому +2

    Great pure lesson.
    Thank you

  • @reeshioppa
    @reeshioppa 4 роки тому

    The narration is simply great. But I liked for the animator. GREAT!

  • @MrShaun42088
    @MrShaun42088 6 років тому

    it's more than just giving a feeling.. it's just the easiest way to describe something if you have something to give it an equal comparison.

  • @paulmryglod4802
    @paulmryglod4802 7 років тому +11

    this video is a wet dreary day with a rainbow at the end

  • @nicole-secondaryemail-mort9617
    @nicole-secondaryemail-mort9617 5 років тому +8

    @4:50 "... a good metaphor... [is] a way to let you feel or know something differently"
    Nice description :)

  • @RUMAILALIKHAN
    @RUMAILALIKHAN 5 місяців тому +1

    REALLY BEAUTIFUULL EXPLINATION

  • @Animaniac-k4b
    @Animaniac-k4b 2 роки тому +1

    Beautifully explained ❤️❤️❤️

  • @helenlee879
    @helenlee879 5 років тому +1

    Amazing explanation of metaphors! Really enjoyed the video!

  • @marineninga
    @marineninga 11 років тому +1

    Million times better than how metaphors were explained in my school

  • @Shameemos
    @Shameemos 12 років тому +1

    Thank you for this video. Somehow it's just perfect.

  • @DreJr
    @DreJr 8 років тому

    Her voice is perfect for this!

  • @brendanbramman
    @brendanbramman 12 років тому

    I love metaphors. They make me feel tingly.

  • @k-vandan
    @k-vandan Рік тому +1

    made me think so hard that next video played automatically but I was keeping thinking

  • @TamTamTarot1
    @TamTamTarot1 8 років тому +19

    at 2:08 i was like THOSE ANIT METAPHORS till it said they called similes i was about to rat someone out :3

  • @JacksonIsGQ
    @JacksonIsGQ 12 років тому

    I don't know how I got subscribed to this channel but I'm glad I am

  • @MrShaun42088
    @MrShaun42088 6 років тому

    somehow i zoned out on the cricket going down the stream. a combination of the serene trickling waters, the cricket's song and her soothing tone of voice.

  • @jebc4652
    @jebc4652 5 років тому

    Very true, metaphors allow us to feel things differently.

  • @gbishel
    @gbishel 12 років тому

    This video vibrate as an old movie.

  • @DrRank
    @DrRank 2 роки тому +1

    St. Patrick: "So you see, God is like a shamrock."
    Irish: "O GREAT SHAMROCK, YOU ARE POWERFUL..."
    St. Patrick: "No, no, no. This is simply a metaphor."
    Irish: "O GREAT METAPHOR..."

  • @thecaveoawesomeness
    @thecaveoawesomeness 12 років тому

    I like that part at the end. Now I need to make the handle that will open the world I imagine.

  • @NavidSakhai
    @NavidSakhai 10 років тому +5

    Very Interesting...

  • @thejoker-wu1sp
    @thejoker-wu1sp 9 років тому +56

    best place to find similes and metaphors is rap.
    example:
    "when i shoot dudes fall down in tears (tiers) like a caste system..."
    one of the best similies i ever heard.

    • @oonmm
      @oonmm 9 років тому +1

      You know nothing of rap, that is not Eminem.

    • @thejoker-wu1sp
      @thejoker-wu1sp 9 років тому +12

      you idiot i did not say that was eminem did i?
      i did not even mention eminem you asshead.
      that line was from a freestyle battle from dont flop. trust me i know rap.

    • @oonmm
      @oonmm 9 років тому +2

      Randy Allen You have no idea, you don't live rap. Don't insult me

    • @thejoker-wu1sp
      @thejoker-wu1sp 9 років тому +11

      where the hell did you get eminem from tho?
      im not insulting you. im questioning you. YOU are insulting ME fool!
      whatever,im done here.

    • @joebazooks
      @joebazooks 9 років тому +6

      Randy Allen god, so many ppl nowadays have completely lost their marbles, eh? lol

  • @dameanvil
    @dameanvil 7 місяців тому +1

    0:32 🎭 Metaphors describe one thing by likening it to another, engaging the imagination and senses.
    1:24 🤔 Metaphors aren't true or false but can feel right or wrong; good metaphors resonate while bad ones confuse.
    2:03 🌌 We're naturally inclined to think in images, as seen in dreams, making metaphors powerful tools of communication.
    3:00 📜 Poems are rich sources of metaphors, offering profound insights into human experiences and emotions.
    4:06 🏠 Metaphors aren't limited to human experiences; they can also describe natural phenomena, enriching our understanding of the world.
    4:58 🚪 Metaphors serve as handles on the doors of knowledge and imagination, opening up new worlds of understanding.

  • @diegom-a7970
    @diegom-a7970 4 роки тому

    BEAUTIFUL animation

  • @Zralf
    @Zralf 12 років тому

    wow, the voice is so pleseant, and the animation is verry verry nice to look at.

  • @kimlien3339
    @kimlien3339 11 місяців тому

    How superb it is when the speaker uses metaphors to explain what metaphors are :D god damn

  • @HenryLiu7
    @HenryLiu7 8 років тому +64

    Why do I hear GLaDOS

    • @Ronnie7X
      @Ronnie7X 8 років тому +4

      Thank you for participating in this TED science enrichment center video formatted thought experiment
      Please recollect all your personal belongings before leaving the TED science enrichment center metro exit elevator

    • @FocusMrbjarke
      @FocusMrbjarke 8 років тому

      +Ronnie McCera you can never escape a ted video

    • @brycegrantham6605
      @brycegrantham6605 8 років тому

      +Henry Liu I came down here to comment the exact same thing!!!

    • @jirayuyathikul6218
      @jirayuyathikul6218 7 років тому +1

      Me too!

  • @nasugbubatangas
    @nasugbubatangas 6 років тому

    Exactly! Metaphors are not meant to hide meaning. This is what many writers get wrong. It is meant to make you experience the world differently.

  • @luismoran9039
    @luismoran9039 10 років тому +29

    GLadOS sounds specially unemotional in this one.

  • @ollyplayz5128
    @ollyplayz5128 8 місяців тому +1

    Had to watch this for homework

  • @dancingfishfilms
    @dancingfishfilms 12 років тому

    Fascinating - loved the animation too. I'm off to investigate the animator.

  • @VIII-BARNANADAS
    @VIII-BARNANADAS 2 роки тому

    Kindly explain the metaphor used by Winthrop Parkhust in his one act play 'The Beggar and the King'.

  • @meepsity
    @meepsity 8 років тому

    The animation in this video is just HILARIOUS... I guess it was because of the subjects that they've used but man, I'm like wheezing right now.

  • @timadamson3378
    @timadamson3378 7 років тому

    Might want to read a bit on the enormous work recently done on cognitive metaphor. Lakoff and Johnson, Metaphors We Live By or Mark Turner, The Literary Mind. Much more clear and helpful.

  • @LockedUpIdeas
    @LockedUpIdeas 11 років тому

    Absolutely stunning.

  • @ChuongNguyen-xy3rp
    @ChuongNguyen-xy3rp Рік тому

    omg, This video is still focking great!

  • @SloppyLarry
    @SloppyLarry 7 років тому

    You should also note that they are essential to communication. If someone says they have to move the meeting to Sunday they are using an intuitive abstract metaphor that we blindly accept.