Gerald the Iceberg - A Metaphor
In the fifth chapter, Gerald addresses Jean Muir saying, "Lucia will tell you what an iceberg I am." This is an implicit comparison between two unlike things; namely Gerald and an iceberg, without the use of any such words as “like”. Thus, the figure of speech used is a metaphor.
Jean Muir’s eyes – A Simile
“She had…thrown such an intensity of expression into her eyes that they darkened and dilated till they were as fierce as any southern eyes that ever flashed.”
Here Jean Muir’s eyes are compared in terms of fierceness to southern beauty and complexion by means of the language construct “as”. Thus, the figure of speech used is a simile.
Jean the Deer – A Simile
"Jean sped back like a deer."
Here, Jean is compared to a deer in connection to the speed and swiftness with which she moved. The comparison is made by means of the language construct “like”.
Jean Bringing Vitality – A Metaphor
In chapter three, the author states, "Jean Muir was the life of the house." which is a metaphor in which Jean is compared to the very life and vitality of the house by dint of the entertainment she did provide and the joy she brought to the hearts of her employees. At the same time, the sentence contains a personification of the house by giving it a human characteristic; that is to say, a life.
Will of Steel – A Simile
Jean Muir addresses John Coventry saying, "I will be as true as steel to you." which is a simile in which Jean compares her faithfulness and devotion to Sir John to steel in terms of durability and strength of will.
The Actress in action – A Simile
“Miss Muir played like one who loved music and was perfect mistress of her art”.
This is a simile; a comparison of Miss Muir to one who loved music and was in full command of her art. As a figure of speech, this simile highlights the duplicity of Jean’s character and the perfection of her skills as an actress. Even as she played, Jean assumed the attitude of someone who knew well and adored what she was doing, and yet it was nothing but an act.
Jeans’ Lullaby – A Simile
“…she sang on as easily as a bird, a dreamy, low-toned lullaby, which soothed the listener like a spell”.
The quote contains two similes. On the one hand, Jean is compared to a bird in terms of the grace and skill with which she sang to Gerald. On the other, the lullaby she sang is compared to a spell in connection to its instant effect on the listener who drifted directly to sleep afterwards.
