Define 'metaphor'.

A metaphor is indeed a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting they are alike in a specific way without using "like" or "as." This type of comparison allows for deeper understanding and insight by highlighting similarities that may not be immediately apparent. For example, saying "Time is a thief" implies that time steals moments from our lives, conveying a more profound meaning about the passage of time and how it affects us.

In contrast, the other options describe different literary devices. The first option defines a simile, which uses "like" or "as" to make comparisons. The third option refers to hyperbole, which is an over-exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. The last option relates to narrative poetry, which focuses on storytelling rather than figurative language. These distinctions clarify why the choice of a direct comparison in a metaphor is the correct answer.