An Analysis of the Use of Metaphor in Triumph by Wu Tang Clan Essay

Farnaz FalsafiEnglish 21011181999Metaphorically SpeakingCan one think of a better way to describe something, other than by comparison to another familiar, known object? This is indeed the idea behind the metaphor. Metaphors are composed of the tenor, the subject matter that is being referred to, and the vehicle, the metaphorical term itself. Many great writers have utilized metaphors to create illustrious pieces of work. The metaphor is a useful tool in description and evoking a certain tone that the author wishes to create. Metaphors can be subtle or obviously stated. In the song, Triumph by the Wu Tang Clan, the writers use metaphors differently to enhance the meaning of his song. The writers use many implied, metaphors, similes, as well as self-reflexive comparisons to help the listener achieve a more lucid picture of the messages in the song. First, the most common types of metaphors used in the song are implied metaphors. Throughout the song, the writers try to create an image of warfare. They implicitly compare the Wu Tang Clan to fighting a battle. This can be seen in line 34 where it states, Guns of Navarone, tearing up your battle zone. Although it is not specifically stated where the battle zone is located, one can deduce that the writers are talking about predominantly poor, African American neighborhoods, where for some people, the streets are as dangerous as real combat. On the same note, the writers use the metaphor Its court adjourned, for the bad seed from bad sperm to make a social comment. It is understood that the bad sperm are the parents of children who, under the circumstances, cannot be raised in a good environment due mostly to poor examples from their parents. Another example of an implied metaphor can be taken out of lines 77-82. In the verse, the writers are giving the listener a description of the Vietnam War. They use the vehicle of war of the masses to describe the...