Sounding like hamming or whistling
Rowan and her husband have a unique way of communicating. For instance, Emaleth uses the art of singing, which he and his wife only understood. For instance, the people around could not understand what the couple said. The narrator writes, "To others, it sounded like humming or whistling." This simile reveals that the couple conducted their affairs uniquely, and the people around them could not predict what they would do next.
Dressing like a teenager
Aunt Gifford and Mona are conversing about the girlish and corporate look. Gifford thinks Mona should deviate from the corporate look and put on clothes that make her look young. Gifford tells Mona, "You know you ought to dress more like a teenager these days." Gifford has brought fashionable clothes to Mona, and she argues that Mona needs to regain her stunning girlish look. However, Mona believes that she looks great in her corporate appearance.
Attacking like a great beast
When Julien and Mona talk about Michael's goodness, she remembers how many times she has had a crush on him. According to Julien, Michael is good than angels. Mona's thought about Michael also shows that she can do anything to have him. The author writes, "Thoughts on Michael Curry: he is even more attractive now that he has had the attack, like a great beast with a wounded paw, a knight with a broken limb, Lord Bryon with his club foot." However, Michael has never given into Mona's seduction traps, but she is optimistic about continuing to pursue him.
