<p>I think that there is a fine balance to be struck.</p>
<p>Personally, I find metaphors an essential part of any solid piece of writing - but you can be direct and be metaphorical at the same time. I think being obscure and unnecessarily… mysterious… with essays and metaphors is what Dartmouth is referencing here.</p>
<p>All in all, just realize that there is a good chance your essay will be read by tired eyes.</p>