The art of simile... (one of the technical issues in the science of rhetoric)

"Similarity" is a rhetorical term, which depends essentially on the existence of a kind of similarity between two or more things. The terminological (rhetorical) definition of simile has been neglected by the Lisan al-Arab dictionary, just as it was neglected by the Asas al-Balagha dictionary, but Ibn Manzur (the author of Lisan al-Arab) traced The most important characteristics of the art of simile and its rhetorical significance are: symmetry and the departure of a thing from its essence and its entry into the essence of something else (such as copper if it is close to The color of gold is called "similarity." The word also indicates ambiguity and overlapping of boundaries, and this is important in determining the rhetorical function of the simile.
There is no doubt that expression in images is the essence of artistic expression and is what gives style its specificity. It indicates the activity of the imagination of the poet or writer, and if man has invented the common language, in order to build an understanding society that exchanges benefits and assistance, then specific words and abstract meanings are sufficient to perform this task. Indeed, it is the language that is precisely required in the areas of contracting (such as buying, selling, and leasing, for example) and giving. information (such as testimony and writing reports) and the transmission of scientific knowledge (such as geography, medicine, and engineering), but this specific, abstract language will be incomplete in performing its function if The intention was to activate and stir the imagination to influence the emotions and arouse emotion.
The ancient critics and rhetoricians were interested in the arts of rhetorical imagery, which takes the form of metaphor, which is metaphor and metonymy. They were also interested in simile. Rather, their interest in the rhetorical image in the form of the similarity relationship between two things preceded their attention to metaphor and metonymy.