Question

Explain the extended metaphor in the poem 'The Fog ' by William Henry Davies.

Answer 1

The Fog by W.H. Davies is an extended metaphor. An extended metaphor is said to be used when the poet compares one thing with another in the course of his verse. Davies also repeatedly draws comparison between the following :
1. Due to the dense fog boys looked like men and men like giants.
2. The street light falling on the cars are compared with heavenly stars.

Metaphorically looking at the poem, the fog represents doubt and confusion that can surround a man making his faculty to think and act numb. It has its effect both on the body and the mind. On the contrary, the man who leads the poet to home symbolizes absence of doubt and confusion as he is able to walk normally and guide him the way home. The blind here, hence, is not blinded by the fog like the poet.