Comparing Different Compositional Metaphors

This research paper explores the differences between two opposite or conflicting metaphors/concepts (namely, “voice” and “footing”) and explores the pros and cons for explaining the principles of good writing that each can teach composition students. Moreover, this paper highlights reasons for including in a composition curriculum discussions of conflicting concepts, as each can help the student improve their writing and conception of writing in different ways. That is, this paper highlights that only using one or the other may lead to a constricted curriculum and an incomplete discussion of composition principles; by discussing both, teachers can highlight important themes that cross both terms, and teachers will also be able to capitalize on the aspects of composition that each explains better than the other.