A Pragmatic Analysis of Metaphors and Similes in Campion's 'Cherry-Ripe'

Abstract

The pragmatic function of metaphor and similes in poetic texts has always been essential. Because metaphors and similes are vehicles to convey a deeper and implied meaning rather than the explicit apparent meaning, they attracted the attention of linguists in the realm of pragmatics. Therefore, a pragmatic analysis of the use of metaphors and similes in Thomas Campion's (1567- 1620) titled 'Cherry-Ripe" is conducted. The paper reached at the conclusion that in addition to the aesthetic values of such figures of speech in the poem, they serve for a pragmatic function, which is conveying larger ideas and messages than what apparently seems.