Horsepower (metaphor)
Johnny applies the metaphor of a horse to describe the experience of riding a motorcycle. This depiction evokes the sensation of being connected to the environment around the rider. Moreover, it highlights the skill and power of the motorcycle. The metaphor is established in the line, "The Harley humming under me in the lane, and I never stopped thinking of it like a horse." This passage is then further developed in the line, "I tensed up my right thigh when I was shifting the bike to change lanes—like my father taught me on my first horse when I was eight." Here, Johnny draws a direct comparison between the experience of riding a motorcycle and the experience of riding a horse.
Scars (simile)
Johnny uses the simile "The white line on my skin like somebody drew with Wite-Out on my cheekbone" to compare the two-inch scar on his left cheek. This phrase accentuates how the scar is both visible and significant to him. Therefore, displays the physical toll of violence in that it can be seen and remembered even though it is not necessarily painful. Later in the passage, Johnny compares the scar on his forehead to a "little Nike swoosh." This comparison illustrates how the scar is a prominent feature on his face that he is self-conscious about. The comparison to the iconic Nike logo implies that the scar is a recognizable, permanent mark that is difficult to hide. The descriptions highlight the physical and emotional pain that he has experienced in his life, as well as how he has had to adjust to living with them.
Black Tower (simile)
The simile utilized is that of the plume of smoke, which is compared to a "black tower." It represents the danger and fears that Ximena and Elpidia are harboring after they are forced to flee their home due to the threat of ICE. The smoke is described as "reaching across the sky," a visual representation of the power and control that ICE has over them and their lives. The comparison also serves to illustrate the displacement that the two characters are feeling at being unable to return home. By likening the smoke to a tower, the narrator is underlining the overwhelming nature of their situation.
Harmonica (simile)
The narrator applies a simile to compare the wind to a harmonica: "The loose windowsills sounded like harmonicas." This comparison demonstrates how strong the wind was, as the harmonica is an instrument that produces a loud, distinct sound when it is played. The narrator further emphasizes the intensity of the wind by likening it to gods pressing their mouths around the screens. In that, the wind was so powerful that it was almost like a supernatural force. This comparison of the wind to a harmonica and gods alludes to its intense nature.
Ten Little Piggies (metaphor)
Another metaphor applied in the passage is "feet like ten little piggies that shoulda been gone to market a long time ago." Matelasse describes her feet, which are relaxed and still for a moment in contrast to the life of her ex-husband, who is constantly on the move. It illustrates her hopelessness and frustration, as she compares her situation to that of the little pigs in the fairytale, who were unable to escape being eaten by the wolf. The statement indicates that Matelasse's life has stagnated, while Reynaldo's has moved on and become something new. It implies that his life is full of adventure and activity, while hers is stuck in the same place. The metaphor also insinuates that she harbors this sense of regret for not being able to keep up with Reynaldo.
