METAPHOR FOREVER – EINIGE (WENN AUCH NICHT BAHNBRECHENDE) BEMERKUNGEN ZUR GESCHICHTE UND ZUM WESEN DES (LITERARISCHEN) PHÄNOMENS

Firstly, the analytic finger is pointed towards difficulties arising in the attempt to precisely define metaphor. The importance of the broadly understood context in which it appears is emphasized as indispensable for the emergence of (a given) metaphor’s meaning. Moreover, two theories, which appear to be the most essential points of reference in the discussion, are addressed: the ‘substitution theory’, which reverts to Aristotle’s model, and Max Black’s ‘interaction theory’, which presents the modern approach. Furthermore, the metaphor’s interpretative potential, including both its positive and negative connotations, is outlined. Finally, the role of metaphor in the literary discourse is discussed with reference to Paul Ricoeur’s texts.