A bale of hay
The simile "bouncing and breaking apart into straw like a bale of hay bouncing off a rock and into the ocean" describes the destruction of the house as it is carried away by the hurricane's force. This comparison paints a picture of the house's disintegration and the helplessness of the situation. The act of bouncing suggests a lack of control and the erratic, unpredictable nature of the destruction while the reference to hay, a lightweight and flammable material underscores the ease with which the house is torn apart.
Acid sweet
The metaphor "Honey is bitter to the wicked, acid sweet" uses the concept of "Honey" to convey contrasting qualities within the same substance. Honey is typically associated with sweetness and goodness. However, it is described as "bitter" and "acid sweet" to illustrate a duality of character. The bitterness represents the way that, to those who have impure intentions even something inherently good can become unpleasant. This metaphor suggests that one's perception and experience of something even as universally sweet as honey can be shaped by their own moral standing. It highlights the idea that the same thing can be experienced differently by people depending on their nature and intentions, serving as a commentary on human behavior and its impact on the interpretation of the world around us.
A cat chasing a rat
The simile "Like a cat chasing a rat through a church organ's pipes" vividly conveys the idea of a process that is both chaotic and confined. The process of having one's digestion cleansed with a strong herbal brew is likened to the agility and unpredictability of a cat in pursuit of a rat. Cats are known for their stealth and agility, darting through narrow and intricate spaces to catch their prey. This simile suggests that the cleansing process is rigorous, intense, and not very pleasant much like a cat's relentless pursuit of a rat in the intricate and restrictive environment of a church organ's pipes. The choice of the church organ's pipes emphasizes the tight, winding nature of the process and the potential for unexpected twists and turns.
Heavy Stones
The metaphor "Heavy stones lay on every heart" illustrates the burden and weight of intense emotions and experiences that the characters are carrying. The metaphor suggests that the characters are weighed down by their feelings of grief, sorrow, or other deep-seated emotions which are so overwhelming that they are akin to heavy stones pressing upon their hearts. This metaphor also implies that these emotions are not easily shaken off but rather persist as a heavy, inescapable presence in their lives.
A brazier
The simile "and a flame whupped from the can’s mouth then burned wobbly and dim like a brazier at an improvised altar in a nomads’ camp" captures the erratic and feeble nature of the flame. The word "whupped" suggests a sudden, forceful eruption of the flame much like a gust of wind or a sudden burst of energy. This simile also underscores the unpredictability of the flame's flickering, conveying the image of a makeshift brazier in a nomadic setting where resources are limited and the flame may struggle to burn steadily.
