A slow corrosion (metaphor)
Ennis is married and has two daughters. However, their marriage gradually falls apart. “A slow corrosion works between Ennis and Alma, no real trouble, just widening water." The corrosion, which ruins their relationship, is a metaphor of love for Jack. Falling in love with Jack, Ennis does not notice how this love destroys his family, their relationship with his wife and daughters.
Two men in their world (simile)
In the afternoon, Ennis "looks across a huge gulf and sometimes sees Jack – a small point moving across a high meadow, like an insect moves across a tablecloth”. Jack sees Ennis “as night fire, a red spark on a huge black mountain mass”. This simile says that two men are invisible for the whole world and there they can keep their secret.
Eternal love (simile)
After enduring separation, Jack Twist finally visits Ennis. They seize each other by the shoulders and hug mightily, squeezing the breath out of each other. “As easily as the right key turns the lock tumblers, their mouths come together.” This comparison shows that Jack and Ennis are intensely fond of each other.
