"The fog comes on little cat feet" is a metaphor in Carl Sandburg's poem. How is that different than just saying "The fog came in."

Answer 1

Saying "The fog came in" is a literal statement, simply describing the occurrence of fog moving into a particular area. On the other hand, the line "The fog comes on little cat feet" is a metaphor, comparing the movement of fog to how a cat moves silently and lightly.

Metaphors are figures of speech that suggest a resemblance or create a symbolic representation between different objects or ideas. In this case, the fog is not literally coming on little cat feet, but the comparison enhances the reader's understanding of how the fog moves – silently, smoothly, and seemingly without disturbance. This metaphor adds depth and imagery to the statement, evoking a vivid sensory experience and creating a more poetic and engaging description.