Definition: A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that some word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation. A connotation is frequently described as either positive or negative, with regard to its pleasing or displeasing emotional connection.
The warm sunlight cast across the excited children. Happy students walk out of the peaceful library with new books. The benches occupied by people eating their delicious lunches.
The blinding sunlight cast across the bored school children. Unhappy students walk out of the ironically unpeaceful library with old books. The mouldy, damp benches occupied by people eating their cold lunches.
Extended metaphor
Like a regular metaphor, an extended metaphor looks to draw on the shared figurative characteristics of two concepts. In order to extend the device, you should consider how language connotations, similes, metaphors, and other devices combine throughout a piece to continually convey the shared characteristics.
Comparing NYC to a jungle
Stretching against the twilight, the skyline of NYC stands boldly. Much like a tree canopy, each skyscraper fights for the strongest sunlit position. Below, on the forest floor, the various animals go about their business. The homeless leopard struggles to find a friend. Busy ants staying out late to finish the office work. The snakes slither around praying on the young ones unable to fend for themselves. The CEO stands proud like a lion in its element.
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