What does an 'analogy' help to achieve in writing?

An analogy is a literary device that allows a writer to clarify complex ideas by drawing comparisons between two seemingly unrelated concepts. When writers use analogies, they can illustrate a point or make an argument more relatable and understandable to the reader. For instance, by comparing a difficult concept to something more familiar, the writer aids the reader in grasping the nuances and details of the original idea. This technique not only enhances comprehension but also engages the reader’s imagination, making the writing more effective and memorable.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of writing. Writing lengthy essays relates to structure and depth of content rather than clarification. Outlining a story's timeline pertains to plot development rather than comparative understanding. Summarizing important texts deals with distillation of information rather than making connections through analogies. Each option serves a different purpose in writing, but the primary function of an analogy is to facilitate understanding by drawing comparisons.