Big as Robins (Simile)
When describing the transformation of the young Gregg boys, the narrator notes, "They were really tiny. They were about as big as robins." This comparison to robins gives a clear idea of their small stature while also depicting their new, bird-like form.
Big as Men (Simile)
When the Greggs become ducks, they look down and are astonished to see that "The ducks were as big as men." This simile highlights the reversal that has occurred, as the ducks have become large and human-like, while the Greggs have become quite small and have grown wings.
Tall as the Seat of a Chair (Simile)
When Mr Gregg awakens he discovers that he has become "maybe as tall as the seat of a chair.” This simile is part of a series of size-related descriptions in the book. It underscores the alarming transformation he has undergone, which has left him quite small.
Like Something Electric (Simile)
The narrator says that when she uses the magic finger, the following occurs: "suddenly a sort of flash comes out of me, a quick flash, like something electric." She uses the description of "something electric" as a way to convey the feeling of lightning shooting from her fingertips when the finger is working.
Witches' Work (Metaphor)
When Mrs Gregg discovers she has become a duck, she exclaims, "This is witches' work!" She does not literally mean that this was done to them by witches; instead she is referring to the bizarre and unsettling nature of their sudden metamorphosis. This metaphorical language works to emphasize the magical quality of this occurrence.
