Stone-face
The metaphor "stone-faced Reba" is used to describe the secretary at the principal's office. Reba is portrayed as unresponsive and distant, with a hard and unmoving face. Reba's authority and power are conveyed through this metaphor. It implies that she is unyielding and unapproachable, emphasizing her control over the protagonist's future. The metaphor also implies that Reba is emotionless and uncaring and that she is unaffected by the lies and insults hurled at her by the protagonist's mother.
Poetry
The simile in the passage compares the feeling of not understanding poetry to entering the middle of a dinner party and sitting off to the side, eating cold food. This simile implies that poetry can be difficult to understand and thus can be an awkward experience, similar to entering a conversation after it has already begun and not knowing what is being discussed. Furthermore, the cold food being eaten off to the side implies that not only is the experience of not understanding poetry awkward, but it is also unsatisfying, or not as enjoyable as the conversations being had by the other guests at the party. By using this simile, the author is able to emphasize the feeling of exclusion and confusion that can come from not understanding poetry.
A Bozo
“That color of lipstick is no good on you. Makes you like a bozo.” This is a comparison of Julie's lipstick color and a clown. This simile conveys the idea that Julie's lipstick color is unflattering and makes her appear foolish or ridiculous. This is a way of conveying Yevgenia's judgmental attitude toward Julie, and it serves as a reminder of how Yevgenia is attempting to make Julie feel inferior.
A Flaming matchstick
Yevgenia's hair is compared to a flaming matchstick, emphasizing her audacity and fiery personality. The author most likely used this simile to emphasize how Yevgenia's dyed-red hair made her stand out in the room, as well as her confidence and strength. The comparison to a matchstick implies that her hair is bright, flamboyant, and vibrant, implying boldness and confidence.
Flooded rivers
The simile "veins rise out of her skin like flooded rivers" is used to describe Crystal's appearance during her pregnancy. It represents both her strength and her vulnerability. Her veins are compared to rivers, which implies that she has a deep and powerful energy running through her; however, they are also described as "flooded," suggesting that she is overwhelmed by her current situation. The simile thus emphasizes Crystal's emotional turmoil and elicits sympathy from the readers.
