London fog (Metaphor)
The weather has a special influence on Arthur and promotes despondency. The yellow, dirty fog is on all streets: it is hanging over the river, spreading through alleys and lanes, it percolates through houses. It is like an evil breath, seeping out the smallest holes. People always risk their lives, roaming the streets without looking. This fog has a distinguishing feature: it is fraught with danger and scares stiff. It hides a real world and confuses people. London fog has a metaphorical meaning of depression, delusion and fear. Inhabitants cannot get rid of it. The fog absorbs their souls without mercy.
Forgotten place (Simile)
This little island, where Eel Marsh House is located, extends in a southerly direction across an area of scrub and field toward what “looks like the fragmentary ruins of some old church or chapel”. The author makes a hint that nobody watches this place and this huge house is too neglected.
Own darling child (Simile)
Jennet isn’t able to bring up her son alone. That’s why she decides to give a child into foster care to her sister. At the same times, Jennet says that Alice must “love him as her own child”. Alice should take care of him and love him with all her heart and soul, because Jennet’s son is the dearest person in her life.
