Hi! I'm going over the figures of speech for a test I have next month, and really enjoying it. I am still a little unsure about the real difference between a metaphor and an allegory.

As I understand it, an allegory is more of a story, where every or almost every element is a picture of the real situation the author has in mind, whereas a metaphor is a shorter comparison, and usually names the real object along with the picture that illustrates it.

But, for example, what do you think of this passage from the book of Ephesians that talks about spiritual "armor?" Is it a metaphor or an allegory? And why?

"10 Finally,be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

A metaphor compares things without using "like" or "as."

An allegory is an extended metaphor wherein a story illustrates an important attribute of the subject.

Oops... clicked the wrong one! Hope it doesn't show up!

The use of "like" or "as" would make it a simile, right?

But as far as the example... would you say it's a metaphor or an allegory?

You tell ME -- and explain why you think that. :D

My best guess is that they are multiple metaphors: the belt of this, the breastplate of that, the shield of the other; but the fact that they are all related to each other suggests allegory.

Or... now that I notice, it says, "AS shoes..., ...the readiness of the good news of peace," so that could be a simile, right? Are all the rest similes too?