Before you write your paragraph, outline your paragraph by answering these questions:
What is the comparison, and what does it mean?
What is the "thing" being compared? (solid, concrete)
What is the "idea" being compared? (abstract)
What are the various connotations of the "thing"? What are the different feelings, words, and ideas that the thing inspires (separate from the idea)?
WHY did you choose this thing?
HOW does the "thing" represent the "idea"? How does it make the idea more specific to the overall atmosphere/tone/setting/thesis of the story?
WHAT are the various messages (effects/ideas) that may result from your CHOICE to represent the "idea" with this specific "thing?"
Sample Solution