Exercise 10 of 10
Try to determine this proverb’s function, frame, and finish.
Expand each section by clicking the “+” to see how well you did.
“Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than in a whole one.”
What is the FUNCTION of this proverb?
This proverb predicts where to look for genius.
What FRAME is this proverb built upon?
This proverb is built on a comparison frame because it compares the properties of a cracked pot versus a whole one.
What FINISH (or finishes) have been applied to this proverb?
This proverb has two finishes:
1) Wordplay: Substitution: The author plays on the term crackpot, which is typically associated with an eccentric or a foolish person. By substituting a crackpot (person) with a cracked pot, (container) the author is making the case that genius is more often found in imperfections.
2) Wordplay: Conviction: Unlike the previous proverb’s use of never as a conviction, the author tempers his advice by suggesting that genius is found more often–as opposed to always–in imperfections.
EXTRA CREDIT: What METAPHOR is this proverb built upon?
This proverb is based on the metaphor: Genius is discoverable.