Analogy
An analogy is a rhetorical device as an aid for explanation. It is usually used to explain something abstract and complex by comparing it to something concrete and simple to make it understandable to the audience. In this particular case, Jeffrey Overstreet makes use of an analysis in his article where he likens marriage to a high-wire act. In this particular case, he uses the marriage of his friend Tara to her fiance Brian as the case in point.
“Their (Tara and Brian) gazes are locked in a fierce line. The tension in that open space is palpable…these two have taken their chances, venturing out together in such a dangerous endeavor. And while their marriage is a joyous occasion, it was a challenge to reach that point” (Overstreet, 2008).
The road to marriage is something that cannot be easily defined and it is rather profound to describe, especially to the uninitiated. In this case, Overstreet uses the high-wire act. Like the high-wire act, a couple who commits to one another is setting out into a “dangerous” endeavor – marriage. The road to it is not easy. There will be problems to be encountered along the way which will put their relationship to the test. It is here they will discover all their strengths and weaknesses, their good and bad qualities. If they fail to make the relationship work along the way, it will end in a break-up, like a high-wire walker making a misstep, which will result in instant death. At this point, it is all over. It is a matter of hanging on, withstanding the proverbial buffeting winds that would threaten to unbalance the couple, something the high-wire artist also faces besides vertigo.
If there is something a relationship and a high-wire act have in common, they are precarious in nature. There are many risks involved and although the circumstances are different between a couple and a high-wire artist, the ordeal they go through are similar as far as takings risks are concerned. They both have a goal to reach. For the latter, it is the other end of the wire, for the former it is marriage. To make it to the other end means they have overcome all obstacles and trials. Making it to the chruch is one high-wire act completed. Marriage is another high-wire act to take once the honeymoon is over.
In summary, the use of analogy in this case helps makes a subject like marriage easy to understand, especially to those unfamiliar with it. Although there are other analogies to use, the high-wire act is one example on how to explain something this abstract or profound. The trick there is to find one that shares similar qualities to make it not only easy to understand but very interesting to listen to.
Reference
Overstreet, J. (2008). The Wedding and the High Wire Act. Retrieved 29 July 2010 http://imagejournal.org/page/blog/the-wedding-and-the-high-wire-act.
