The appearance of the three rock columns “like the tentacles of some ancient creature”
The narrator compares the appearance of the three columns of rock which shot up to the tentacles of some ancient creature. Through the use of this simile, the reader is able to understand the imagery of the rock columns more deeply.
The appearance of the wool frosted with minute condensation droplets "like tiny diamonds"
The comparison of the tiny droplets of condensation that frosted the wool of the blanket to tiny diamonds is facilitated through the use of a simile. In this way, the imagery of the droplets is brought out, a situation that enhances the appeal of the description.
The appearance of the planes in the sky “like huge white birds”
A simile is used to present the appearance of the planes in the sky. In particular, the imagery of the planes is enhanced through the comparison of the same to huge white birds or angels. This presentation of the planes is essential in promoting the appeal of the scene.
The appearance of the lights round the rim of the plane “like gemstones”
The iridescent lights on the rim of the plane are brought through a simile in which they are compared to gemstones or feline eyes. This simile associates the way the lights facilitated the maneuvering of the plane in the dark to the eyes of a cat.
The unfolding of the plane ramp “like a tendril”
The unfolding plane ramp is compared to the tendril of a tropical plant. Through this comparison, the narrator is able to elicit the development of an image in the reader’s subconscious, one which makes the story more interesting.