Definition of Synaesthetic Metaphor

A metaphor is a Figure of speech which consists of comparing two things with each other and that do not have a direct relationship. It is normally used in poetic language to highlight the qualities of someone or something. With this aesthetic resource of language the description of reality. Thus, lips are rubies, eyes are stars, or the statement that someone is in the prime of life are classic examples of metaphors.

Synesthesia is a mental phenomenon by which we combine two different senses. In this way, someone can smell a color, see a sound, or touch a scent. In this sense, a person with synesthesia can say that he has seen a color when he heard a musical note, that when he touches the wood he feels nostalgic or that the taste of food mentally associates him with a sensation tactile. According to neurology, this type of mental combinations occur among babies up to four months and, exceptionally, in some adults.

From a literary point of view it is possible to create all kinds of ideas: Poets try to combine words that are suggestive

To do this, they can resort to figures of speech. The metaphor is one of them and a variant of this figure is the synaesthetic metaphor. It consists of putting together words that convey different sensations, but that together are complementary and provide a unique dimension of reality.

Thus, a sweet yellow, a harsh sound, a golden silence, a green caress or a dark wind would be examples of synaesthetic metaphors. In this type of metaphors there is always a sensory binomial, such as touch-sight, taste-hearing or sight-hearing, among others.

Synesthesia in art

Each art has a predominant meaning. The painting is based on the visual perception, the sculpture is eminently tactile and visual and the music it is perceived through sound. However, certain artistic works are the result of a synesthetic combination. Do not forget that in a play sight and hearing are involved, or musical notes may suggest images.

Synesthesia and the consumption of hallucinogens

The consumption of certain hallucinogenic drugs produces a type of synaesthetic experiences. In this case, it is not a literary metaphor but a real sensory experience, such as the psychedelic experience in which the individual feels connected to the entire universe, colors are enhanced and visual effects blend with other perceptions sensory.

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