Metaphor and Metonymy

The extract deals with two characters: Robyn and Vic. In this part of Nice Work David Lodge used a narrator who is omniscient intrusive, as in the whole “Nice Work” novel by D.L.

This extract is prevalently discursive and D.Lodge’s first aim with his novel “Nice Work” is to teach how to write a Postmodern novel. In this extract he wants to explain the reader what to use to give a certain impression to the reader, and at the same time is like an alert signal to teach the reader to think carefully about what he sees, and not to be fooled by ads and infomercials, ‘cause “signs are never innocent”. 

The two characters are driving along a road when they notice the constant repetition of a cigarette’s brand advertisement: Silk Cut. That was the beginning of their discussion, as they started to talk about how brands induce, in an undirected way, the consumer to buy. Robyn reveals some psychological points of the merchandising psychology and explains what rhetorical forms do they use, which are Metaphor and Metonymy. Then she explains their function and meaning, while Vic shows signs of disapproval in what his journey partner was saying.