Talking Like a Politician (Simile)
During a conversation with Grace, Jagan is described as talking "like a politician," in response to one of her questions. This comparison highlights Jagan's evasiveness and noncommittal answers, as he attempts to navigate the stress of Grace and Mali's constant pursuit of him and his money.
The Puzzle (Metaphor)
While thinking about how he can help the bearded man, Jagan struggles to make sense of what they talked about at the pond: "He could not solve the puzzle easily." This metaphor gives a sense of how Jagan is trying to fit the bearded man's mystical words together, like the pieces of a puzzle, to understand them and figure out how to assist him.
Like a Celebrity (Simile)
When Mali arrives back in India, he is described in the following manner: “He carried himself like a celebrity avoiding the attention of the rabble.” By comparing Mali to a "celebrity" floating above the "rabble," he shows the extent to which Mali views himself as better than the people of his hometown. It suggests the profound impact of his trip to America, as he now considers himself a member of an entirely different class.
As Though She Were an Usherette (Simile)
Jagan waits to speak with Mali one day and feels frustrated by the formality of having to wait for him, as Mali and Grace are living in his home. The narrator depicts the scene in the following manner: “Jagan felt that Grace had only been holding him in a trap and scowled at her accusingly, but she merely said as though she were the usherette at a Presidential interview, ‘Certainly, go in,’ suggesting that he should feel honoured at the summons.” The comparison to an usherette implies that Grace is treating him in a somewhat detached and formal manner, which he finds somewhat obnoxious, as she is his daughter-in-law.
Like One Not Wishing to Exhibit His Sores (Simile)
The narrator says that Jagan's resistance to talking about his troubles with Mali is "like one not wishing to exhibit his sores.” This comparison highlights both Jagan's reticence on the difficult subject of his son, while also giving a sense of the shame he feels about it, as if it is an actual, physical wound.
