A Lion
The phrase, “I am a lion and I refuse to talk” has been used metaphorically to mean he is strong and courageous. Hafid was reading the third scroll which talked about persistence until the goal is achieved. It emphasizes the qualities of the narrator as also persistent and determined. He refuses to give up because he knows he has the courage of a lion. He calls upon the persistence of a lion to sojourn forward as he wants to become the greatest salesman. The metaphor also described his willingness to continue amidst complaints and discouragements.
A Hungry Dog
Pathros had summoned Haffid to give the ten scrolls one needed to be a great salesman. He acknowledged how old he had become and how soon his death would soon come when he says, “He has been waiting for days like a hungry dog at our kitchen door.” Pathros compares the patience of his death to that of a hungry dog at a kitchen door. Any hungry door at a kitchen door is patient for it knows soon enough the door will be left unguarded. The same way his death had been patiently waiting for it knows soon enough it would take him. The simile has been used to exaggerate the level of patience.
Slumbers like Kitten
Haffid was complaining to his bookkeeper about some of the perils of old age. He had confused the time of day in his greetings. He compared the number of times old people fell asleep to that of a kitten in the statement, “and then slumbers like a kitten through the entire day.” Kittens sleep almost ninety percent of the time daily. Old people also sleep a lot throughout the day. The simile has been used to emphasize how much old people slumber throughout the day.
An Onion
Hafid was reading the first scroll on how to be a great salesman. He compares the life he has lived to that of an onion when he says, “I have lived as an onion plant.” An onion only takes nine weeks to mature while an olive takes about a hundred years. He is disappointed for having lived his life with so much haste. The simile teaches the value of patience for greater benefits. He is vowing to stop living as if in a hurry but savor every moment if he wants to succeed in life.
Firefly
Haffid was reading the sixth scroll which emphasized taking immediate action. He affirms taking action when he says, “I will be as the firefly and my light will brighten the world” He promises himself that he will stop his constant procrastination and act now. The simile is used to compare his taking immediate action to how a firefly gives off its light. The only time a firefly gives off its light is when it has spread its wings, in action. Haffid pushes himself to finish tasks meant for today without hesitations if he wants to succeed as the greatest salesman. The simile also highlights the importance of doing things when they are supposed to be done.
