Dry moss
The simile "his thin beard straggled up his cheeks like dry moss on gray rocks" creates an accurate mental picture of the Professor's look. The comparison draws attention to how untidy his beard is which is shown as thin and wispy. "Straggled up his cheeks" implies that the beard is unevenly dispersed across his face, similar to how dried moss would randomly cling to the surface of gray rocks. The phrase "dry moss" reinforces the image that the Professor's appearance is faded and neglected by conjuring up a sense of desolation. The reference to "gray rocks" furthers the feeling of melancholy and gloom by emphasizing that the Professor's presence is characterized by a sense of senility and stagnation.
Electric guitar
The simile "wailing like a wounded electric guitar" is used to eloquently convey Toby's passionate and melancholy sobs during the Ceremony for the Dead. By equating Toby's howling with the piercing, melancholy sounds of an electric guitar, the simile forges a potent mental picture in the reader's mind. The analogy implies that Toby's sobs were more than just loud and melancholy; they were also imbued with a passionate and expressive nature like the melancholy sounds an electric guitar makes when it is played with unrestrained emotion. The use of this simile gives Toby's act more depth, highlights the emotional nature of the ritual, and underscores his ability to completely immerse himself in his role as a bereaved ancient.
A Lasso
The simile "waving her fur stole around her head like a lasso" is used to eloquently convey April's fun and vivacious activities as she walks backward. A lasso is a looped rope or cord that cowboys throw while spinning to bind animals. The author paints a picture of April's fluid and whimsical movements by comparing her waving of the fur stole to a lasso. April deftly manipulates the fur stole which resembles a long, flowing dress like a cowboy twirling a lasso. The simile highlights April's enthusiasm and her capacity to turn everyday objects into amusing playthings for her imaginative games by introducing a sense of adventure and excitement to the situation.
Stoneface
The metaphor "the old man only tilted his stone face downward in a stiff nod" depicts the old man's countenance as unbending and hard, resembling a face formed of stone. It implies that his features were unchangeable without any warmth or life. When the word "stone" is used, thoughts of sternness, iciness, and emotionlessness come to mind. The author highlights the old man's stoicism and the impermeable nature of his emotions by comparing his face to stone. The expression "tilted his stone face downward in a stiff nod" suggests a mechanical motion devoid of any spontaneity, supporting the notion that the old man's answers were planned and purposeful.
A Pinball Machine
"Toby was lit up like a pinball machine" is a simile comparing Toby's expression to the lively and luminous characteristics of a pinball machine. Pinball machines are renowned for their vibrant lighting and flashing displays that enthrall players and foster a jovial, upbeat mood. The author captures Toby's tremendous excitement and passion through the use of this simile. Toby's eyes are probably sparkling and active and his face is probably beaming with pleasure as he anticipates entering the game. Toby's overall manner emits a contagious energy that grabs people's attention much like a pinball machine does when it is in motion and action.
Warm rain
The simile "soothing like warm rain" paints a clear picture and arouses the senses in the reader, making it easier for them to comprehend the emotional comfort April experiences after she outpours tears. Warm rain in particular is frequently linked to feelings of solace and tranquility. Rain that falls softly and warmly can feel reviving and soothing, caressing the skin with a delicate touch. According to this simile, April's tears like the warm rain provide a sense of comfort by washing away her suppressed feelings and making her feel lighter and more cleaned. The analogy emphasizes the contrast between April's first feelings of anguish and rage and the cathartic release of her tears. It represents the idea that crying can occasionally be therapeutic, offering comfort and a brief reprieve from emotional upheaval much like the soft touch of warm rain on one's face.
