Select 2 Examples of Metaphors in Naomi Shihab Nye's Poem "Making a Fist"

Analysis of Metaphors in "Making a Fist"

In the first metaphor, Nye compares the speaker's stomach to a melon that is split wide inside their skin. This metaphor vividly describes the sensation of feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exposed. The image of a melon split wide emphasizes the intensity and vulnerability of the speaker's emotions.

The second metaphor, "I felt the life sliding out of me," conveys a sense of loss or decline. By comparing the feeling to life slipping away, Nye captures the profound impact of an emotional experience draining the speaker's vitality.

Overall, Naomi Shihab Nye's use of metaphors in "Making a Fist" adds depth and emotional resonance to the poem, allowing readers to connect with the speaker's internal struggles and experiences.