The simile of a Little Caesar
Thomsen compares Boris’ handsomeness to a little Caesar. Thomsen says, “Boris, my permanent familiar – empathetic, intrepid, and handsome, like a little Caesar.” Thomsen uses this simile to justify their lust for any beautiful woman who passes by. Thomsen and Boris argue that no woman can ignore them because they are physically fit and good-looking.
A slender serpent
Thomsen likens Ilse's gunbelt and oxhide whip to a serpent. Thomsen says, "On the floor lay Ilse's gunbelt and her oxhide whip, coiled like a slender serpent in sleep." The simile shows Ilse's alertness in whatever she does. When Thomsen enters Ilse's office, he notes that she is alert and ready to defend herself in case of an attack. Readers also realize that Ilse is the only female, and she is ready to keep off men trying to seduce her against her wish.
A shrill silence like a mosquito whirring in your ear
When Thomsen and Hannah attend a concert together for the first time, every silence makes them afraid. Thomsen compares the abrupt silence in the concert to whirring mosquitoes. Thomsen says, "But then came a shrill silence, like a mosquito whirring in your ear, followed, half a minute later, by the hesitantly swerving upswell of violins." The simile is important because it shows that Thomsen and Hannah are scared of their secret affair and think that Doll might confront them anytime.
