How does chalkboard equal life? I know it's a conceit...but how does it work?

These are my guesses!

It's a blank slate.

You can write what you want on it.

You can erase it, but traces are left behind.

??

How about this?

A chalk piece represents life. The chalkboard represents the road of life--age. the letters on the board are obstacles. The eraser means death.

Your sentences beg for amplification. How are the letters obstacles, how does death equate to an eraser?

It seems to me, that one can write or draw what one wants, and erase if there is a need to change. I don't see eraser as death at all. I certainly don't see letters as obstacles. If anything letters are key parts to decoding..what does it mean, where are we going?

Symbolically. The chalk is new=birth. One giant line across the chalkboard (the road of life) (giant line = age, experience, wisdom, life). The eraser erases the line (death).

Yes, the eraser "rids" of the chalk (life) and the traces it leaves behind are the memories that will live long in example (dust=memories).

Ok, you need to state that. Normally, we do not use chalk or slate boards to draw lines, we write on them. But it is your idea, go with it, but make clear what you mean.

Ok, you need to state that. Normally, we do not use chalk or slate boards to draw lines, we write on them. But it is your idea, go with it, but make clear what you mean.

The concept of a chalkboard equaling life is a conceit, or a metaphorical comparison. It is a way to symbolize different aspects and stages of life using the imagery of a chalkboard. The interpretations you provided offer different perspectives on how this conceit might work.

In the first set of guesses, you mentioned that a chalkboard is like a blank slate where you can write what you want and erase it if needed. This represents the idea that life is full of possibilities, where you can make choices and create your own path. The traces left behind when you erase something can symbolize the lasting impact of our actions and experiences, even after they are gone.

In the second interpretation, the chalk piece represents life itself, and the chalkboard represents the road of life or the journey of aging. The letters on the board are seen as obstacles, which can represent challenges or difficulties that we face in life. The eraser is seen as death, as it removes the chalk and signifies the end of life.

However, it's important to note that these interpretations are subjective and can vary based on personal perspectives. The symbolic meanings associated with chalkboards and their elements can be open to interpretation. In this case, clarity is key when describing your idea, ensuring that your audience understands your intended symbolism and meaning.