An extended metaphor is a metaphor that compares two unlike objects without using like or as, but unlike a metaphor it continues throughout the story to help develop the theme. The man with the umbrella in Sorrentino's "There's a Man in the Habit of Hitting Me on the Head with an Umbrella" is an example of an extended metaphor and he helps convey the central theme. The theme, in this case, is to not take for granted what you have because like your annoying siblings or overbearing parents you may not appreciate them in the moment but without them one would be completely devastated. The narrator also feels this way about the man with the umbrella since he hates and despises him at first but as time goes on, " I have recently come to the realization that I couldn't live without those blows." according to the text. Essentially, the audience realizes that you must not take even the things you despise for granted because in the end you will greatly miss it.
