A true musician (Metaphor)
“It’s made my ear become very refined and my heart deaf.”- when Rameau’s nephew calls his ears refined, he means that he has good understanding of music. He says that he has “always lived among good musicians”, not to mention that he himself works as a music tutor in times of great need. A deaf heart refers to his inability or unwillingness to be sensitive, for he always has to deal with “bad people”.
Uncovering the truth (Metaphor)
Mr. Philosopher says that Rameau’s nephew “makes the truth come out, revealing who has value”. He also says that he “unmask scoundrels”, which means that aforementioned scoundrels are not afraid to be themselves in front of a fool. That’s why everyone starts being himself/herself in front of Him.
A man of faults (Metaphor)
In saying that he is “possessed by a million devils”, Rameau means that he is full of faults and can’t and simply doesn’t want to change himself. He calls himself “a fool, impertinent, lazy, an incorrigible crook, a swindler, a thief” and he really is this type of a person.
Exceptional courage (Simile)
When Rameau’s nephew starts talking about his wife, he can’t help but mention her exceptional courage, comparing her bravery with lion’s. He states that she is “as brave as a lion”, which is supposed to show that she is a woman without a single fear.
Always an optimist (Simile)
According to Rameau’s nephew, his wife is a woman who has a pleasant and joyful character. Indicating her optimism, he says that she is “as happy as a lark”.
Beautiful singing (Simile)
Rameau’s nephew has needed skills in order to be at least a not bad musician, which gives him a right to judge whether his wife is musically gifted. He says that she sings beautifully, saysing that her voice is “like a nightingale”.
