Kittay, Eva Feder. 1987. Metaphor : its cognitive force and linguistic structure. Book. Oxford: Clarendon
Notes
ill 22cmTries to look at metaphor in use. Broadly compatible with the assumptions of the cognitive metaphor theory but wants to look at metaphor "based on its utterance" ... "Without an expressive medium we most likely should not be able to form metaphors or even think metaphorically." (p. 14)Briefly overviews metaphor from Richards to Black and critiques Davidson (see article Kittay 1995) claiming that "[metaphors] are not limited to phrases or sentences but can take the form of a larger text" (p. 19)Stresses that: "In simile, the 'like' is itself a metaphor. This metaphor is not merely one 'among endless devices'; it is the paradigmatic device for pointing out analogies and making comparisons which cross the bounds of our usual categories."Continues to describe the history as going from 'interactionist' theory (Richards, Black) to 'perspectival' theory (Burke)Outlines the interactionist view (pp. 22-23) and uses that as the jumping off point for defining the perspectival view:1. Metaphors are sentences, not isolated words- the context is important but a sentence as such isn't necessary - sometimes a phrase is enough p. 24 "a unit of metaphor is any unit of discourse in which some conceptual or conversational incongruity emerges."2. A metaphor consists of two components- discusses problems with tenor/vehicle3. There is a tension between these two components.- 4. These components need to be understood as systems.5. The meaning of a metaphor arises from an interplay of these components.6. The meaning of metaphor is irreducible and cognitive.Will use 'semantic fields' theory to elaborate some of these points.