The stink of the engine “like burnt rubber”
After the accident, the narrator says that the stink of the engine dying under the front hood was “like burnt rubber.” Through the use of this simile, the reader is able to develop a deeper understanding of the smell of the engine.
The smell of the dog’s fur “like popcorn”
The writer uses a simile to bring out the nice smell of the dog’s fur. In particular, the writer’s choice to directly link the smell of the fur to popcorn enables the reader to develop an understanding of how nice the smell was. It also facilitates imagery by appealing to the reader’s sense of smell.
The imagery of Cassidy curled against the narrator “like a cat”
The imagery of Cassidy curled against the narrator on the bed is brought out through the use of a simile. In particular, when the writer compares her curled appearance on the narrator’s shoulder to that of a cat, the description is able to evoke an image of the two characters in the reader’s subconscious.
The narrator’s feelings “like death”
To bring out the narrator's worn out, exhausted, and rather beaten state, the writer uses a simile in which the same is directly compared to death. The ruthless, callous, and rather ill state in which the narrator is waking up is implied.
The pounding of the fireworks “like drums”
The writer uses a simile in the presentation and portrayal of the sounds made by the bursting fireworks overhead. In so doing, a direct link to drums is brought out. The loudness with which the fireworks exploded and sparkled overhead is thus perceivable by the reader.
