The Language of Metaphors Field Test: Level #1

Doors and Dimensions

Doors are a common form of portal. This test aids in a refined understanding and categorization of the door in order to create more effective "door" metaphors. Look over these diagrams for a few moments, then continue on to the questions below.

***IMPORTANT NOTE!!*** - This test is currently being seriously revised due to several serious flaws. Please come back soon for a better version of this test. ***IMPORTANT NOTE!!***

A                     B

 C                D

E                        F    

 G                           H

  I                             J

K                           L

M                        N

O                P

Can you find which diagrams above would suit the following sentences? Provide reasons.

1. "When she said the secret word, the doorman slid out of the way."

2. "When the computer crashed for the third time, Jason finally blew his cork."

3. "The chairperson closed the door to further debate on the issue."

4. "Her decision was pivotal to the future of the company."

5. "The district attorney complained about the revolving door prison system."

6. "Respect must swing both ways."

7. "The judge pushed aside the defenses' arguments."

8. "She twisted the facts to get the teacher's permission to leave."

9. "The management finally caved in to the union's demands."

10. "What is your threshold for pain?"

11. "It's curtains for the Boston Red Sox this year!"

12. "The opposition folded, leaving the bill subject to pass into approval."

13. "The nation eased certain trade barriers, allowing a freer movement of goods."

14. "The crowd pulled aside, making way for emergency workers."

15. "Restrictions on all forms of  travel were eased, increasing traffic flow."

16. "Senate limits number of migrant workers across Mexican border; tourism unaffected."

Answer Key for Field Test #1 - Doors

For Advanced Study

This can also be a  test of your comprehension of the "first three" dimensions and their relevance to the  metaphor. Take your time with these, trying especially to grasp the physical equivalents in our lives. If you need guidance, send me an email or discuss it with friends.

This test is bound to change over time, as I get more feedback from readers. I will mention that this is not a timed test - in fact, one should mull over this material over several months to get the full effect. Over this time, your definition of "portal" should broaden in scope, while sharpening in detail. Try to replace the classical dimensions with other dimensions and entities, such as energy or time; or political policies or traffic control. Be patient!!

1) There are 16 portals of various kinds represented above;

    a) Find as many categorizations and logical sequences you can amongst them.

    b) Compare your categories with each other until clear logical criteria form; list these criteria.

    c) Extrapolate an unused criteria and use it to identify at least one missing portal type.

For example: a) & b) Single unit, multiple and infinite closures; c) Single unit, multiple and infinite openings - as seen in multiple doors.

2) For each portal above, as well as any others you feel are missing, identify three real-life examples (preferably one or two words only, such as "French Door"). [Note: The object you identify must be specifically designed as a portal.] For example: J = Door, envelope flap and cell-phone key-pad cover.

3) For each portal, give one example where the portal is invented ad hoc - that is, where an object is used as a portal but was clearly designed for another purpose. Identify and find a brief explanation as to why your example fits. For example: A blanket is used as a curtain - the blanket is a (nearly) closed door for heat, a flat, flexible sheet and is also opaque, all of which are properties found in curtains.

4) Try to find a situation which is metaphorically bound to each portal; one that is not actually a physical doorway of any kind. For example: A passport is a doorway to the world.

Use with permission.