A gambler rolling a coin
The simile "twirling the thumb drive in her fingers like a gambler rolling a coin across her knuckles" effectively depicts Sally's demeanor and mental state at the time. When a gambler rolls a penny across their knuckles, it is typically interpreted as a display of dexterity, skill, and confidence as though the individual is demonstrating their capacity to deal with danger and chance. Similarly, Sally's whirling of the thumb drive reflects her doubt and restlessness as she mulls over whether or not to access its information. The analogy implies that Sally is caught between the potential dangers and rewards of connecting the thumb drive to a computer much like a gambler assessing the odds before making a dangerous move. Furthermore, it underscores her curiosity and determination to uncover the truth even if it means taking chances with sensitive information.
Spreads like a disease
Mr. Peters draws a strong connection between the lingering impact of loss and the insidious nature of a spreading sickness in this sad simile, "But you let grief go on for too long, and it spreads like a disease." This contrast highlights the significant and far-reaching repercussions of unresolved grief on an individual's emotional and psychological well-being as well as the potential for it to affect relationships with others. The simile serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking healing and support in the face of loss, acknowledging that just like a disease, grief requires attention and care to ensure it does not consume us entirely.
Carry the stone
In the story, the metaphor "carry the stone until it's worn down to a pebble" captures Sally's tremendous emotional journey. The "stone" represents the heavy and onerous emotional suffering she is carrying, probably as a result of her traumatic experiences and history of substance misuse. It vividly depicts the burden she must bear and the hardship of her struggles. The second portion of the metaphor "until it's worn down to a pebble" on the other hand, gives a sense of hope and steady transformation. Sally's emotional scars like a stone can heal and become more tolerable with perseverance and time. The metaphor not only emphasizes the need for resilience and patience in the face of adversity but also suggests that confronting her emotions and seeking support will be instrumental in her healing process. It allows readers to empathize with Sally's profound challenges.
Drinking poison and hoping the other person dies
The simile "hating someone is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies" draws a striking comparison between the act of hating and the repercussions it entails. By comparing hatred to poison, the parallel powerfully depicts the inherent harm that keeping such intense negative emotions inflicts on the individual holding them. Hatred, like poison, corrodes one's emotional and mental well-being, causing inner anguish and misery. The second part of the simile, "hoping the other person dies" illustrates the folly and futility of this unpleasant sentiment. It emphasizes how the desire for vengeance against another person does not result in a meaningful resolution. The simile serves as a compelling admonition, urging individuals to let go of hatred and seek healthier ways of coping with their emotions, fostering understanding, and seeking resolution.
An old balloon
The analogy "and her mind would just drift around like an old balloon a child had given up on" generates a vivid and heartbreaking image of the woman's mental state, expressing both the fragility and aimlessness of her thoughts. The reference to an "old balloon" implies that her intellect like the balloon has lost its vibrancy and buoyancy with time, becoming worn and lifeless. With the addition of "a child gave up on" the simile gets even more emotional impact, conveying a sense of abandonment and neglect as if her ideas are discarded pieces of someone's forgotten plaything. This portrays a severe sense of loneliness and vulnerability, emphasizing the woman's mental degeneration and lack of direction. Overall, this simile offers an intimate glimpse into the woman's inner struggles and underscores the impact of emotional isolation and despair on the human psyche.
