Metaphor Artifact

          Source: This artifact was one of many pictures featured in Life Magazine [see logo in picture] showing this child smoking, exact date is unknown, but is believed to be around 1954. This picture and those below, are from my own personal files.


     This picture, of a child smoking a cigarette being lit by his mom, is my metaphorical artifact. I choose this artifact because it upsets me. America is still having similar debates on whether to legalize other potential addicting substances with possible health hazards. My analysis seeks to look at the metaphors presented in this artifact as to the purpose of framing this event.

     The metaphor presented is that smoking is safe, it’s even safe-enough for a child. It is so safe that even mom will light the cigarette for her son, because we all know matches are dangerous, but cigarettes aren’t. Smoking is also natural and experienced by nice modern families together in their own home.

     This artifact is full of metaphors, here are some examples. 

  • Vehicle – The child / Tenor – Children are there to be loved by parents.

  • Vehicle – The mom / Tenor – Mom’s are there to protect their child.

  • Vehicle – The home / Tenor – The home is the safest place on earth.

  • Vehicle – The cigarette / Tenor – We only want what’s safe and best for our child.

  • Vehicle – The matches / Tenor – Matches are held away from the child by mom, because matches are dangerous and could hurt a child.

  • Vehicle – The open window blinds / Tenor – We want the world to see all is safe in our home. Look inside and see us as a family.

  • Vehicle – Ash tray with cigarette / Tenor – We are smoking together, we’re not hiding that we believe it is safe for even kids to smoke with their parent.

  • Vehicle – Mom’s short hair / Tenor – In the 1950’s only a modern mother had short hair, mom is hip and with the times.

  • Vehicle – Mom’s clothes / Tenor – In the 1950’s moms usually always wore dresses, but not this mom because she is progressive in her attitude and independence.

  • Vehicle – Childs clothes / Tenor – The child isn’t wearing play cloths, he is so smart and sophisticated that he would rather be indoors lighting up with mom.

  • Vehicle – Childs cufflinks / Tenor – Mom only provides the best for her child, not just button cuffs, but those that require nice cufflinks. This is a nice family.

  • Vehicle – Mom’s and Child’s physic / Tenor – Both are trim and look well fit, demonstrating that smoking keeps you healthy.

  • Vehicle – Plush couch / Tenor – This is also an affluent family with nice furniture, they must be educated and successful.

  • Vehicle – Cat on couch / Tenor – Even our cat is well mannered, so we must be a great family to like pets.


You’re welcome to post some that you observe.