Father Christmas
The simile "She's got arms like a boxer and a massive belly like Father Christmas" paints a vivid picture of Maureen's physical appearance. By likening Maureen's arms to those of a boxer, the simile conveys her strength and robustness. Boxers are known for their well-defined, muscular arms due to their rigorous training. The comparison of her belly to Father Christmas evokes a contrasting image of warmth and comfort. Father Christmas is often portrayed as having a jolly and round belly, symbolizing generosity and joy. In combining these two distinct comparisons, the simile captures the duality of Maureen's character – she's strong and assertive yet also carries an air of warmth.
A Chimney
The simile "She’s smoking like a chimney" paints a vivid image of the woman's excessive smoking habits. By comparing her smoking to a chimney, the author conveys the intensity and frequency of her smoking in a striking and easily understandable way. Just as a chimney constantly emits smoke, the woman is shown to be smoking relentlessly. This simile suggests that her consumption of cigarettes is constant and heavy likely engulfing her in a cloud of smoke similar to how a chimney is enveloped in smoke. The comparison emphasizes not only the quantity of cigarettes she's smoking but also potentially hints at the idea that her smoking might be a way to channel her stress much like how a chimney releases built-up pressure.
Television
The simile "the baby is like the television" conveys the profound and captivating nature of the baby's presence and actions. Just as a television captivates one's attention with its constantly changing images and movements, the baby's actions and movements have a similarly mesmerizing effect on Leon. The simile draws a parallel between the two distinct entities. This comparison highlights the sense of wonder and fascination that the baby brings into Leon's life, implying that just as people can become engrossed in watching television, Leon becomes entranced by the baby's every movement.
A Rusty Motor
In this simile "you’ve got a brain like a rusty motor" Tony illustrates his view of Carol's intellectual shortcomings. The comparison draws a striking parallel between Carol's mental state and a rusty motor which creates a multi-layered imagery. Just as a rusty motor struggles to operate smoothly and efficiently, Tony implies that Carol's thought processes are similarly hindered and not functioning optimally. The comparison implies that Carol's thought patterns are clogged, reflecting Tony's belief that she has allowed herself to be deceived by misguided thoughts and emotions.
Superman or Batman
The simile "He thinks about being strong and having powers like Superman or Batman" encapsulates Leon's imaginative longing for strength and empowerment. By comparing his desire for strength to the iconic superheroes, the simile illustrates the depth of his yearning to overcome his challenges. Superman and Batman are renowned for their exceptional abilities and unwavering dedication to justice, qualities that Leon aspires to possess. This simile reflects his youthful aspiration for a sense of control and influence over his circumstances. Just as these fictional characters possess extraordinary capabilities that allow them to make a difference, Leon wishes for a similar sense of agency in his own life.
A bag of sand
The simile "Maureen’s dinner is sitting in his belly like a bag of sand" creates a vivid and tangible comparison to convey the sensation that Leon is experiencing after having a meal. By likening the sensation of having eaten to a "bag of sand" sitting in his belly, the simile effectively conveys the feeling of heaviness and fullness. The weight and density of sand in a bag represent the way the meal is settling in his stomach, giving the reader a clear understanding of his discomfort. The comparison also implies that the meal might be causing a sense of sluggishness as sand in a bag doesn't move easily.
