Solomon in all his glory
The simile "He walked one step behind me in the streets of Nairobi, or waited on the dirty stairs in the Government buildings and the lawyers' offices, dressed like Solomon in all his glory," draws a powerful parallel between Farah's appearance and that of the legendary King Solomon from biblical lore known for his immense wisdom, wealth, and majestic splendor. By identifying Farah with Solomon, the author enhances his position, implying a tremendous presence and dignity even in prosaic circumstances. Farah's attire which includes magnificent gold-embroidered Arab waistcoats and vivid silk turbans displays his pride in his cultural history and reflects a sense of nobility. The contrast between Farah's regal appearance and the unclean, modest environment in which he waits serves to accentuate his resilience, dignity, and adaptability as a Somali.
Kinanjui’s manyatta
The simile "manyatta was always a lively and noisy place, like a well spouting from the ground and running over on all sides" vividly characterizes Kinanjui's settlement known as a manyatta. The analogy to a spouting well stresses the community's constant flow of energy, activity, and social interaction. The manyatta, like water springing from the earth, fills with life and vitality with people engaged in diverse activities, plans, and initiatives. The comparison of a gushing well emphasizes that life is natural and limitless, emanating from inside the community itself. The use of the word "running over" further emphasizes the intensity and exuberance of the manyatta, evoking an image of a community brimming with life where energy and enthusiasm seem boundless.
Sheep’s Clothing
The metaphor "They figured like three ferocious young she-wolves in seemly sheep's clothing" paints a vivid and multi-layered picture of the Somali girls' personalities and cultural environment. The comparison to "ferocious young she-wolves" emphasizes their inner strength, resilience, and capacity to meet obstacles head-on all of which are nurtured by their tough environment. By contrasting this with "seemly sheep's clothing," the metaphor also highlights their strategic skill to negotiate societal conventions while presenting themselves as unassuming and docile when necessary. It alludes to the skill of disguise and the wisdom of withholding their true selves till the proper time. Furthermore, the metaphor extends beyond the individual girls, symbolizing the wider spirit of Somali women who embody both grace and strength, an invaluable fusion of qualities that allow them to assert themselves when needed while maintaining their cultural identity and dignity.
A Darkness
The analogy "it sometimes suddenly fell upon me like a darkness" clearly illustrates the author's psychological turmoil. The darkness here represents a tremendous and all-encompassing sensation of sadness, terror, and despair that has engulfed her mind. This simile implies that the emotional load of being wrongfully accused and mistrusted during the war resurfaces from nowhere like an unexpected darkness descending on her thoughts. The analogy eventually emphasizes the ongoing impact of prior traumas on one's mental well-being, demonstrating how such memories can resurface unexpectedly, even years later altering and influencing one's emotional landscape.
Chaff before the wind
The simile "all the children of my household spread in large circles around it, like chaff before the wind" clearly conveys the children's instinctive and quick reaction to the presence of a puff adder on the roof of the Cook's hut. The contrast to chaff being blown away by the wind gives a vivid picture of the youngsters scattering in all directions, providing a safe distance from the potentially lethal serpent. The simile portrays a sense of panic and urgency, highlighting the children's quick and chaotic reaction to the imagined threat.
A burning flame
The simile "the air was alive over the land, like a flame burning" evokes the powerful and lively energy that pervades the surroundings. The air appears to be filled with a dynamic vibrancy much like a flame blazing with life and intensity. This contrast generates a sensation of motion and liveliness as though the air itself is pulsing with energy, similar to flames dancing. The analogy also relates to the heat and warmth of midday in the highlands where the sun's beams produce a sense of aliveness and activity.
