Drunken Movements
In "The Black Ball," the narrator compares the "haphazard" way that John's son builds with blocks to "the way a drunken man walks." This simile suggests that the boy's actions are unsteady and unpredictable, and that they lack the purpose or direction of a sober person's movements. It also implies that the boy is unaware of the potential consequences of his actions, as a drunken person may be. This comparison highlights the innocence and carefree nature of the boy, and it serves as a contrast to the more serious and responsible attitude of his father.
Animalistic Brutality
In "Hymie's Bull," the narrator compares the "glimpse of a wild animal" that he sees in Hymie's eyes when he kills the security guard to "the reflection of a quick flame." This metaphor suggests that the moment of violence was brief and intense, and that it was fueled by a sense of primal instinct and survival. It also suggests that the act of violence left a lasting impression on the narrator, as if he had seen a glimpse of something wild and dangerous that was usually hidden. This comparison highlights the desperation and survival instinct of Hymie, and it serves as a contrast to the more calculated and violent actions of the security guards.
The Moving Train
In "Boy on a Train," Mama uses a metaphor to describe the journey of life. She compares life to "a train that’s moving and you never know what’s coming next." This metaphor suggests that life is unpredictable and constantly changing, much like a train that is always moving and passing through new places. The metaphor also implies that one can never be sure what events or challenges will come next, just as one can never be sure what sights and experiences a train will encounter as it travels. This metaphor serves to highlight the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, and to encourage the reader to be prepared for whatever comes next.
