Trash
The phrase "You mess with him again and I’ll trash you" compares the protagonist's threat of physical harm to trashing. Tate is implying that he will severely beat Corey if he continues to provoke Indy. This metaphor adds intensity and aggression to Tate's warning to him. By using the word "trash," which typically refers to destroying something, he emphasizes the severity of the consequences Corey will face. The metaphor affirms that the narrator will not only defeat Corey but also humiliate him. It portrays his protective nature towards his brother while highlighting his confidence in his physical prowess. Moreover, it also highlights the escalating tension between the characters foreshadowing further conflicts between them. The strong language and imagery of the metaphor contribute to the overall atmosphere of the confrontation.
Barrel of a Gun
Tate asserts, "I looked at the black hole at the end of the barrel of that pistol, and it seemed to grow." This metaphorical description emphasizes Tate's intense fear and the overwhelming presence of the weapon pointed at him. Prior to this scene, Tate has been involved in some trouble that has caught the attention of dangerous individuals. Indy warns him about the bad people they are dealing with. However, as they converse, Will emerges from the shadows with a smarmy grin on his face. To further intimidate Tate, Will reveals a pistol and points it at him The comparison to a black hole suggests a void hence represents the potential loss of life that could occur. Thus, the metaphor captures the sense of vulnerability that Tate experiences in the face of such a deadly threat.
Clawing Tigers
Tate and his friends have limited time to display their skills in front of a large audience, including professional skateboarders. He feels the pressure of embarrassing themselves in front of the entire crowd. Moreover, the presence of the ESPN camera crew further emphasizes the significance and visibility of the event. As Tate prepares to drop in on the vertical ramp, he experiences a surge of fear. Therefore, he states, "The burrowing rats in my stomach became clawing tigers." This metaphor effectively conveys his heightened state of anxiety and the magnitude of pressure he feels before his performance. The comparison between rats and tigers indicates a significant increase in intensity. It conveys the transformation of mild apprehension into overwhelming and ferocious emotions.
Armored Tank
The narrative depicts a confrontational scene between Tate’s father and Indy. Indy's disrespectful behavior—fueled by his drug use—escalates into a conflict with their father. The dad, usually calm and restrained, surprises Tate with his swift and forceful reaction toward Indy. He asserts, "For a man who was built like a tank made of muscle, I had no idea my dad could move so fast." Tanks are often associated with strength so he emphasizes his imposing presence. This simile highlights the father's surprising agility despite his bulky appearance. It underscores the father's potential for violence hinting at his past involvement in brawls.
Pistons
Tate acknowledges that confronting Will is different from typical conflicts as it involves a genuine threat to his brother's life. Despite his father's advice to resolve matters through conversation, Tate believes that action is necessary. Tate taunts Will by claiming that he is a coward relying on a gun to appear tough. He challenges Will's strength stating that he would defeat him in a fair fight. The simile, "My fists were pistons," captures the fierce nature of Tate's physical confrontation with Will. By comparing his fists to pistons, it indicates that the narrator is delivering rapid blows to his opponent. Furthermore, the simile adds a sense of mechanical precision to the description of the fight.
