Primary metaphor


Primary metaphor is a term named by Joseph Grady for the basic connection that exist between subjective or abstract experiences such as good and concrete experiences such as . These two concepts usually correlate in experience, and form the primary metaphor good is up. Likewise there is a correlation between knowing and seeing forming the primary metaphor knowing is seeing. Two such primary metaphors are used when understanding an expression such as glass ceiling.
An example of a primary metaphor could be that of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It', where life is depicted as being similar to a theater. Therefore, 'LIFE' relates to a conceptual experience, and 'THEATER' represents a concrete experience. Thus forming the primary metaphor; LIFE IS THEATER.