Conceptual Metaphors of Life in Selected Contemporary British Novels

This study investigates conceptual metaphors of life in contemporary British novels using the theoretical frameworks of Lakoff and Johnson (1980) and Kövecses (2002). Both structural and ontological metaphors are analyzed to reveal how these conceptual metaphors represent the authors’ perspectives on life. The primary research methods employed are documentary analysis and descriptive research, supplemented by both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings of the study indicate that ten conceptual metaphors are used to represent life, including (1) LIFE IS A JOURNEY, (2) LIFE IS PASSING OF TIME, (3) LIFE IS A STORY, (4) LIFE IS A WAR, (5) LIFE IS A GAME, (6) LIFE IS AN ENTITY, (7) LIFE IS A CONTAINER, (8) LIFE IS A PERSONAL POSSESSION, (9) LIFE IS A PERSON, and (10) LIFE IS A MACHINE. Each metaphor provides a unique perspective on the essence of life. It concludes that conceptual metaphors are embedded in daily life.