Juxtaposition 2: Analogy, Metaphor & Similes

On last week lecture, we already learn what juxtaposition is. Juxtaposition means placing two variables, side by side and their contrast or similarity are shown through comparison. By juxtaposing two objects or words next to each other, human brain will automatically associate or transfer meaning. While, in this week, we will learn about Analogy, Metaphor and Similes.

What is Analogy?

Based on lecture notes, analogy is making the Strange Familiar.Its use something that has no apparent connection to the object to explain something about the object. The main use of analogies in daily conversation is to use something familiar to explain something complex.

For Example, “Dolby Stereo is like a Sonic Washing Machine for sound.”

What this means is that Dolby acts like a washing machine but instead of washing clothes it washes sound. It cleans the sound this giving it better quality, making it sharper and clearer(Example taken from: Roger von Oech’s A Whack on the Side of the Head.)

Analogy can be divided to two types:

- metaphor

- simile

As describe by “Wikipedia”, Metaphor is an analogy between two objects or ideas that conveyed by the use of a metaphorical word in place of some other word.

For example:

1) “Her eyes were glistening jewels.”

2) "Your insincere apology just added fuel to the fire."

Simile is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often introduced with the words "like", "as" or “than”. Although similes and metaphors are both forms of comparison, similes allow the two ideas to remain distinct in spite of their similarities, while metaphors compare two things without using "like" or "as".

For Example:

1) "Emanuel was a record-setting runner and as fast as a speeding bullet."

2) "His temper was as explosive as a volcano."

Juxtaposition

As defined in About.com, Juxtaposition can be defined as placing two variable, side by side and their contrast or similarity are shown through comparison. Many creative processes rely on juxtaposition. By juxtaposing two objects or words next to each other, human brain will automatically associate or transfer meaning. 

Some examples of Juxtaposition: 

Source: http://bookworm.typepad.com/lens/2003/08/juxtaposition.html

                http://strongphotography.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/photo-challenge-winners-juxtaposition/

Mind Map 2 - Thinking out of Stereotype

During the class of creative study,  my lecturer, Mr Radzi explained to us how to think out of stereotype. We are given a exercise during the class with the title " Mortar & Pestle ". We need to come out with at least 3 different idea of the functionality of Mortal & Pastel, besides on its real functionality.

From the mind map below, I will choose three word for the exercise. I choose Tools, Noise and Medical.

Mind Map for Mortar & Pestle

Below is my thinking from the three word I choose: -

Thinking 1

 I use mortar & pestle as a tools to defeat the evil monster. The mortar will be a defends, while the pestle will be a weapon.

Thinking 2

I use mortar & pestle as an alarm to wake a person. To make it functioning, someone need to hold this two thing together and start to hitting this two items together. It will produce a stone sound and awaken a person who is sleeping.

Thinking 3

I use mortar & pestle as a medical to treat a patient. When the patient hold the pestle, it will absorb the illness and release it through mortar that use as a hat.

Logical Mind Map, Associated Mind Map & Stereotypes

As defined in Wikipedia, a mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid to studying and organizing information, solving problems, making decisions, and writing.

Logical Mind Map

Logical mind map is directly connected to stereotypes. Its comprises of solely stereotype words, which means that every word / image that put within the mind map is directly related to the central subject through its links.

Associated Mind Map

Using an associated mind map, we are able to generate random words and also show the link between words that seemingly have no connection. 

Stereotype

Stereotype is a commonly held public belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. Generally, stereotypes are not based on objective truth but rather subjective and sometimes unverifiable content-matter. Stereotypes can have a negative and positive impact on individuals and It is easily can influences peoples mind.

In summary, mind mapping is one of the effective way in taking notes. Its show facts and structure of a subject and help us to come out with many ideas.

Some example of mind mapping: -

Mind Map 1

Mind Map 2

Mind Map 3

About Me

And, the final mind map is about me. I done it by my self.

Divergent and Convergent Thinking

Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It is often used in conjunction with convergent thinking, which follows a particular set of logical steps to arrive at one "correct" solution. Divergent thinking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, such that many ideas are generated in a random, unorganized fashion. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected connections are drawn. Following divergent thinking, ideas and information are organized and structured using convergent thinking. ~Wikipedia~

Convergent thinking generally means the ability to give the correct answer to standard questions that do not require significant creativity, for instance in most tasks in school and on standardized multiple-choice tests for intelligence. ~Wikipedia~ 

For example, Convergent thinking is refer to a situation where we see a chair as a chair. The purpose of chair is enable a person to sit and its not carry any others meaning. In Divergent thinking, a chair, besides can sit, its also can carry others meaning as well and the functioning of a chair can be change based on a certain situation. In an emergency situation, we can use chair as a defense tool. Others than that, we also can hits on the chair to produce sound to calls for helps. 

Public Figure

James Cameron

The image above is James Cameron, a Canadian film producer and director who create and produce films. The most popular films nowadays that he make, which is "Avatar" that is made in year 2009. Avatar is such a great movie with interesting storyline and most importantly, the amazing usage of background effects that applied had attracted a lot of people throughout the world. Besides, in the Year 1997, he also was created a film called "Titanic", where the theme was based on love. Inside this film, the director also include an amazing visual effect that brings this story into life. This movie also became so popular among peoples during that time. This two interesting film was given me a great experiences that I ever watch. The reason why I choose him to write about is because he is my idol of making me to have a dream to become a successful person like him. He is special in sense of creating movies and films with his own styles and that is why I admire him. Besides, every times he produce a film, there will be always a new ideas that will give us a surprise and new experiences. He is the person who have both novelty and creativity.

To view his biography, you can go to the link as below:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000116/bio

Novelty, Creativity, Innovation and Invention

As defined in Wikipedia, 

Novelty (derived from Latin word novus for "new") is the quality of being new. Although it may be said to have an objective dimension (e.g. a new style of art coming into being, such as abstract art or impressionism) it essentially exists in the subjective perceptions of individuals.

Creativity is the ability to generate innovative ideas and manifest them from thought into reality. The process involves original thinking and then producing.

Innovation is a change in the thought process for doing something, or the useful application of new inventions or discoveries. It may refer to an incremental emergent or radical and revolutionary changes in thinking, products, processes, or organizations.

Invention is a new composition, device, or process. An invention may be derived from a pre-existing model or idea, or it could be independently conceived in which case it may be a radical breakthrough. In addition, there is cultural invention, which is an innovative set of useful social behaviors adopted by people and passed on to others.

In summary, from my understanding, Novelty can be defined as creating something new and original. While, Innovation is a process of turning an idea into practical reality and Invention is transform an existing idea into a better solution.