From "Of Vicissitude of Things"
In a passage about the forces of nations, Bacon uses a common simile of the flood. He says, "The great accessions and unions of kingdoms, do likewise stir up wars; for when a state grows to an over-power, it is like a great flood, that will be sure to overflow" (451). In this quotation, Bacon cautions against the concept of empire and states with too much power, suggesting that too much power in the hands of one nation will lead to war and destruction across the globe.
From "On Deformity"
One of the most controversial metaphors in Bacon's work—famously repudiated nearly a century and a half later by a self-described “hunchback” and Member of Parliament, William Hay—is his essay-length attack upon those suffering from physical deformity. Bacon’s assertion is essentially that all physical deformations are a physical manifestation of deformations in their character. He says, "Deformed persons are commonly even with nature; for as nature hath done ill by them, so do they by nature; being for the most part (as the Scripture saith) void of natural affection; and so they have their revenge of nature" (426). This metaphor, which equates physical deformity with a perversion of spirit, is of course egregiously false. However, Bacon's argument is based on biblical passages of the same nature, which emphasizes his commitment to Christian doctrine (no matter how far-fetched).
From "On Adversity"
On the subject of virtue, Bacon seems especially moved to metaphorical language. In the essay "On Adversity," Bacon says, "virtue is like precious odors, most fragrant when they are incensed, or crushed" (348). Here, Bacon uses a simile to compare virtue to good-smelling herbs or perfumes, suggesting that virtue is most notable in a person when they are being challenged in some capacity.
From "On Suspicion"
In the essay "On Suspicion," Bacon argues that suspicions are dangerous and not to be heeded, as they cannot be supported by facts. He says,
"Suspicions amongst thoughts, are like bats amongst birds, they ever fly by twilight. Certainly they are to be repressed, or at least well guarded: for they cloud the mind" (405). Here, Bacon uses a simile to compare suspicions to bats among a group of birds – they look like normal, harmless thoughts, but in reality they are more invasive within someone's psychology.
From "On Envy"
No essay of Bacon's uses more similes and metaphors than his essay on envy. Most notably, Bacon says of this passion that it is "a disease, in a state, like to infection. For as infection spreadeth upon that which is sound, and tainteth it; so when envy is gotten once into a state, it traduceth even the best actions thereof, and turneth them into an ill odor" (354). Here, Bacon uses a simile to compare envy to an infection or illness that completely overtakes a person's sound mind and healthy body, suggesting that envy is a powerful but truly destructive emotion.
