The phrase “Jason could feel butterflies” is an example of metaphor.
Explanation:
- Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another, implying a comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
- Context: In this case, “butterflies” metaphorically represent feelings of nervousness or excitement. Jason is not literally feeling butterflies inside him; rather, he is experiencing a sensation in his stomach that is commonly associated with anxiety or anticipation.
Further Examples:
- Simile: If the phrase were “Jason felt like he had butterflies in his stomach,” it would be a simile because it uses “like” to make the comparison.
- Personification: If the phrase were “The butterflies in his stomach fluttered wildly,” it would personify the feeling of nervousness by giving it the human characteristic of fluttering.
In summary, “Jason could feel butterflies” uses metaphor to vividly convey the sensation of nervousness or excitement.