Fish out of water
The simile "Hootons out of Garnet are like fish out of water" encapsulates the profound and unbreakable connection the Hooton family has with their hometown. It wonderfully depicts their great sense of belonging and comfort inside Garnet. Just as fish naturally evolved to live in water and suffer when away from their natural environment, the Hootons would struggle to thrive outside of their beloved town's familiar surroundings. The analogy depicts the Hootons' unique and irreplaceable connection to Garnet by comparing them to fish, making it apparent that their departure from the town would result in a sense of displacement and loss of their cultural legacy. Additionally, the simile aligns with their decision to run a museum, demonstrating their desire to preserve and share their local history with others, further underscoring the significance of their bond with Garnet.
Flute-like voice
The simile "she called after them in her airy, flute-like voice" describes Mrs. Wainwright's voice as she bids Miranda and Helen farewell. Mrs. Wainwright's voice is compared to the sound of a flute in the simile, stressing its light, musical, and clear attributes. This comparison implies that her voice, like the musical notes created by a flute, is pleasant and relaxing. The adjective "airy" lends a sense of lightness and ethereality, implying that her voice floats effortlessly through the air. The comparison creates a clear mental image for the reader by emphasizing Mrs. Wainwright's kind and welcoming nature as she interacts with Miranda and Helen. Additionally, it aligns with her role as the town's amateur historian, symbolizing her connection to the town's rich history and culture much like a musical instrument connects to its repertoire.
A Cleansing Shower
The simile "letting the fresh evening air surge in like a cleansing shower" is used to describe the movement of the attic window when Miranda tries to open it. The author uses this simile to effectively describe the experience of opening the window. When the window eventually jerks upward, the comparison to a "cleansing shower" draws a parallel between the refreshing, reviving quality of the cool, fresh air entering the stuffy attic and the rejuvenating sense of taking a shower after a long day. This simile serves several purposes. For starters, it engages the reader's senses by allowing them to picture the physical and audible components of the window's movement. Secondly, it creates an atmosphere of change and renewal, hinting at the theme of new beginnings in the story as the family settles into their new house.
Greek statues
The author employs a simile to clearly describe the woman's looks, portraying her as "tall and willowy, with a face like those on Greek statues." The comparison invokes an idea of classical beauty, implying that the woman possesses an ethereal and timeless attractiveness akin to the famed statues of ancient Greece. The comparison to Greek statues means that her facial features are sculpted, symmetrical, and refined, depicting her as the peak of beauty and grace.
A Salty undertow
The simile "A wave of terror washed over her and pulled at her stomach like a salty undertow," likens Miranda's panic to the abrupt surge of a big ocean wave that engulfs her. The phrase "salty undertow" adds an extra element of discomfort and unease, implying that the terror is not only overwhelming but also leaves a lingering and disturbing sensation. The simile powerfully depicts the physical and emotional impact of Miranda's anxiety, emphasizing the severity and depth of her reaction to the unusual and unexplainable experiences she meets with the dollhouse in the attic.
