What is the primary difference between a simile and a metaphor in poetry?

The primary difference between a simile and a metaphor lies in the form of comparison each uses. A simile explicitly makes a comparison using the words "like" or "as," which serves to highlight similarities between two different things in a clear and direct manner. For example, saying “her smile is like the sun” draws a direct comparison between her smile and the sun using "like," allowing the reader to visualize the brightness and warmth of her smile.

On the other hand, a metaphor makes a comparison without those specific words. It states that one thing is another, which can create a more implicit or nuanced understanding. For instance, saying “time is a thief” suggests that time steals moments from our lives, creating a deeper, more thought-provoking image without using "like" or "as."

The other options touch on aspects that are either incorrect or less relevant. While some might argue about the descriptive nature of similes or metaphors, it is not a defining characteristic that distinguishes the two. Additionally, the notion that metaphors refer specifically to people while similes refer to objects does not accurately convey how these figures of speech function in poetry. The essence of each lies in their structural use of comparison. Thus, recognizing that similes utilize "