Etiquette (Metaphor)
John names Marley’s tricks “etiquette” when telling about his behavior in the car: the dog slobbered all the windows and chairs there, so the hosts had to keep “…an emergency bath towel on the front seat, which I used to wipe down myself and the interior of the car.” Thus, he wants to show the comicality of the dog and the situations connected with him in general.
Transformation (Metaphor)
John names his wife “coldhearted plant killer” who became “nurturing dog mom” with the Marley’s appearing in their lives, thus highlighting the contrast which took place in Jenny’s character “before and after” buying Marley.
Vine growth (Simile)
The author wonders how fast his dog grows: “Marley was growing at a furious pace. Like one of those amazing jungle vines that can cover a house in hours, he was expanding exponentially in all directions.” Using the comparison, John adds vividness to his amazement.
Mysterious force of nature (Simile)
When describing Marley’s shooting in the film, the narrator writes about one funny moment, when the film crew, having seen the huge power of the dog, when he gnawed his leash, stared: “…at the severed leash in disbelief, a mix of awe and horror on their faces as though they had just witnessed some great and mysterious force of nature.” Thus, Grogan highlights the situation comedy and engrossing amusement, “arranged” by the dog, despite his strength.
