シェークスピアはこの世の中を舞台にたとえた。

topic marker particle; indicates contrast with another option (stated or unstated); adds emphasis

this (something or someone close to the speaker (including the speaker), or ideas expressed by the speaker)

society; the world; the times

indicates direct object of action; indicates subject of causative expression; indicates an area traversed; indicates time (period) over which action takes place; indicates point of departure or separation of action; indicates object of desire, like, hate, etc.

stage (theatre, theater); scene or setting (e.g. of novel, play, etc.)

at (place, time); in; on; during; to (direction, state); toward; into; for (purpose); because of (reason); for; with; by; from; as (i.e. in the role of); per; in; for; a (e.g. "once a month"); and; in addition to; if; although

to compare; to liken; to speak figuratively; to illustrate; to use a simile