Moon as a Pie (Metaphor)
This example of metaphor “The moon is on the wane, but it's still a pie with half its pieces left, so there is enough light to watch her by.“ is comparing the shape of the moon to a pie with half of its pieces left. The phrase "on the wane" means that the moon is decreasing in size, but it is still bright enough to provide light. The comparison to a pie with half its pieces left suggests that the moon is still relatively full and bright, but it is slowly decreasing in size. The metaphor helps to create a vivid image of the moon in the reader's mind and emphasizes the idea that there is still enough light to see by.
Yearning as Sunshine (Simile)
“For a moment, a look of yearning comes on Mari's face, like a break of sunshine on a cloudy day.” This simile is comparing the look of yearning on Mari's face to a break of sunshine on a cloudy day. The phrase "like a break of sunshine on a cloudy day" suggests that Mari's expression of yearning is sudden and unexpected, much like a break in the clouds that allows sunshine to shine through. The comparison also implies that Mari's expression of yearning is a welcome change from her usual demeanor, which may be more subdued or melancholy. It helps to create a vivid image of Mari's expression and emphasizes the idea that her yearning is a brief but powerful moment of emotion.
Smile as Ripple (Simile)
The following simile is comparing the small smile that appears on the Mr. Rosetti's face to a ripple: “The old man's face nods with relief. A small smile works itself like a ripple through the muscles of his face.” The phrase "like a ripple through the muscles of his face" suggests that the smile is subtle and gentle, much like the way a ripple moves through water. The comparison also implies that the smile is a natural and organic response to the old man's relief as if it is spreading through his face without any effort on his part.
The Seamstress Sprint (Simile)
The phrase "She can sew like a barn on fire." is a simile that compares Grandma's sewing skills to the speed and intensity of a barn on fire. The simile suggests that Grandma is an extremely fast and skilled seamstress who can complete alterations quickly and efficiently, much like a fire that spreads rapidly and uncontrollably through a barn. The simile is used to emphasize the speed and efficiency of Grandma's sewing abilities, and to suggest that she is a master of her craft.
Mari's Radiant Expression (Simile)
“As Ms. Ramírez spoke, Tyler's gaze was drawn to Mari's face, which seemed suddenly lit up from inside like a jack-o’- lantern.” The simile "like a jack-o'-lantern" in this sentence is used to describe Mari's face as Ms. Ramírez spoke. The comparison to a jack-o'-lantern suggests that Mari's face was suddenly filled with light and joy, much like the carved pumpkin that is often associated with Halloween. The simile creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, emphasizing the intensity and brightness of Mari's expression. It also suggests that Mari's face was transformed by her emotions, and that she was suddenly filled with excitement and happiness. Overall, the simile helps to convey the intensity of Mari's reaction to Ms. Ramírez's words.
Return to Sender (Simile)
The simile "I felt my heart folding up like a letter in a sealed envelope stamped Return to Sender." is used to compare a heart to a letter in a sealed envelope stamped Return to Sender. The simile suggests that the heart is closing off and returning to its original sender, much like a letter that is undeliverable and returned to the sender. It emphasizes the feelings of rejection, disappointment, and sadness that the heart is experiencing. It also suggests that the heart is closed off and inaccessible, much like a letter that cannot be delivered.
