Large Smock (metaphor)
The narrator states, "The exam smock was too large for her; the sleeves draped over her hands so that she had to roll them up several times." This ill-fitting exam smock can be seen as a metaphor for Rin's sense of inadequacy and discomfort within the environment she is in. The fact that the smock is too large denotes her feeling of being out of place in a world dominated by those with privilege and better preparation. It reflects her struggles to fit into a societal system that was not designed for someone of her background—an orphan, a peasant, and a girl from a rural province. The process of rolling up her sleeves several times further emphasizes how Rin must make adjustments and adaptations just to manage in this environment. Thus, it symbolizes the extra effort she needs to exert to survive in a world not meant for her.
Cloud Words (simile)
The following comparison of words drifting over Rin's head serves as a simile for her mental and emotional state. It describes, "She stared past him as he spoke. His words drifted over her head like clouds; she barely registered his presence." The clouds denote the fog of exhaustion she feels after relentless studying and preparing for the Keju exam. This simile also reflects her inability to process the information being presented to her. Moreover, the clouds represent a barrier to clear thinking, illustrating how Rin is mentally detached from her surroundings and the conversation. This scene underlines the mental toll of her ambitions as well as the numbing effects of the enormous pressure.
Gods' Palace (simile)
"The Academy looked like a palace for the gods." This smile emphasizes the grandeur and almost mythical status of Sinegard Academy. It conveys Rin’s awe and reverence towards the Academy, which represents the pinnacle of achievement in her society. By likening it to a divine residence, the metaphor suggests that the Academy is a near-sacred institution where the elite are shaped. It also implies a distant quality, which highlights the contrast between Rin’s humble origins and the exalted nature of the institution. Additionally, it sets the stage for the immense challenges Rin will face in trying to rise to the level of those who are seen as almost divine by society's standards. As such, the simile creates a powerful contrast between Rin’s aspirations and her perceived place in the world.
Crammed Mind (metaphor)
"Her mind was full, crammed with an insane number of mathematical formulas and poems and treatises and historical dates to be spilled out on the test booklet." Here, Rin's mind is metaphorically described as a container that is crammed and full. This metaphor suggests that her mental capacity is overloaded with the amount of knowledge she has tried to absorb. The use of these words implies the pressure Rin feels to retain this information. Consequently, the knowledge inside her mind is portrayed almost as a physical substance that can be "spilled out." Therefore, the only way to relieve the pressure is to release it during the exam. This metaphor captures the almost suffocating mental strain Rin experiences as she prepares for the Keju exam.
Pain Focus (metaphor)
In this narrative, pain is described as a tool or mechanism that sharpens Rin’s focus. The metaphor suggests that pain has a functional purpose in Rin's life. It acts as a motivator that clears away distractions and centers her attention on her goals. The metaphor also conveys the idea that Rin has learned to use her suffering to her advantage. It can turn a typically negative experience into a source of strength and discipline. This reflects a broader theme in the novel where characters must harness their pain to achieve greatness or survive in a brutal world. The metaphor of pain as a focusing agent underscores the harsh realities of Rin’s life.
