A Conversation with God
What is that first talk with God like? Everyone does it, even atheists before become they become atheists. (And many even do it after they become atheists.) When you think about it, no matter your religion, talking to God is kind of, well, irrational:
“Afterwards, he would not remember getting to his knees, or starting to talk aloud like a mad person in the silence of that empty locker room.”
“Subtlety is the English disease”
This metaphor is made in reference to a description of Eric Clapton in concert. He is described as seeming to be entirely oblivious of the fact that he is standing in front of a swastika on a stage with the word “racist” printed in large bold type beneath his feet. Doug makes this assertion with pointed contempt for an entire nation’s population.
Historical Allusion
In reference to the above-mentioned example of metaphor, Claire Newman announces that she has decided to keep a record of Doug’s “bon mots” although from the above example is not entirely clear why. Perhaps she is easily impressed. That may be the case, but she is clearly also educated as she proceeds to create her own metaphor through historical allusion:
“I’m going to be Boswell to your Johnson. Your amanuensis.”
We all Feel That Way, Right?
Ever think that things are beyond your control? That your part in life was written by a hack screenwriter not nearly intelligent enough to realize it’s your story? You are not alone:
“Sometimes I feel am destined to always be offstage when the main action occurs. That God has made me the victim of some cosmic practical joke, by assigning me little more than a walk-on part in my own life.”
Simile Smiles
Not all similes are so cosmically deep or depressing. In fact, well-constructed simile can bring a hearty laugh. Or at least a chuckle:
“I had no difficulty in finding the house, because the primeval, incessant beat of so-called `reggae’ music was thumping down the street, for all the world as if Satan’s own timpani were pounding a tattoo at the jaws of Hades.”
