Devil's Bargain (metaphor)
In the story Scariest. Story. Ever, the metaphor of "the Devil" represents deceit and betrayal. When the animals encounter the Devil on the bridge, they are forced to leave one of their own behind to gain passage. This situation is a metaphor for the difficult choices and sacrifices people must make often leading to betrayal. The Devil's physical appearance—"a small boy with hay for hair and sticks for teeth"—emphasizes the unexpected and deceptive nature of evil. In that, it does not always appear in the form one might expect. This metaphor also reflects on the concept of trust and the consequences of misplacing it, as seen when the Cat trusted the other animals.
In-Between Existence (metaphor)
Louis and Junior's conversation about waiting and only existing when called upon is a metaphor for the marginalized existence of Native people in society. Louis's statement, "We don’t really exist, I guess, unless you call us, believe in us," highlights the conditional visibility and recognition of Native identities. This metaphor points to the systemic neglect and the need for external validation for their existence to be acknowledged. It critiques a society that overlooks or forgets marginalized communities until their presence becomes unavoidable or necessary for some purpose. This conditional existence parallels the theme of erasure and the struggle for recognition and agency.
Thirsty Man (simile)
The narrator asserts, "Like a man dying of thirst, waiting for rain to fall from the sky." This simile vividly conveys the desperation of the character involved in the ritual to revive Callum. Just as a man dying of thirst eagerly awaits rain, the character's intense anticipation for the ritual's success is highlighted. The simile stresses the essential need and the life-or-death stakes involved in this supernatural process. It illustrates the extremity of the situation and the character's complete focus for the ritual to work. It draws a parallel between physical thirst and spiritual longing.
Scorching Ashes (simile)
Callum says, "It burns. As if the ashes are still scorching." In this simile, the protagonist drinks a concoction and the burning sensation is likened to ashes that are still hot. This comparison amplifies the discomfort and pain experienced. It emphasizes the unnatural and disturbing nature of the act. The lingering heat of the ashes symbolizes the persistent presence of death and the intensity of the ritual. It evokes a sense of ongoing torment and the protagonist's willingness to endure pain for the sake of the ritual.
Newborn's Scream (simile)
"Callum’s screams are shedding whatever came after he died. Imagine if all that came after was nothing. Just the same black that came before birth." In this statement, Callum's screams during his revival are compared to a newborn's cry. This suggests a parallel between birth and rebirth. The simile reflects the primal nature of his return to life as well as the disorientation and pain associated with it. The notion of shedding post-mortem experiences likens his screams to the expulsion of amniotic fluid and the first breaths of a newborn. As such, it symbolizes a clean slate and a return to a state of purity or blankness. This imagery accentuates the cyclical nature of life and death.
