A Waterfall
The simile "All these memories poured on me like a waterfall" is used to vividly convey Moon's overpowering surge of memories. The simile compares the intensity and sheer volume of memories to a waterfall, highlighting the force and enormity of the emotions they elicit. The memories wash over Moon like a powerful waterfall, swallowing him in a flood of emotions. This analogy emphasizes the quick and strong character of Moon's emotional response as well as her inability to contain the memories. Furthermore, it provides the impression of being swept away by memories much like being carried away by the force of a waterfall. Furthermore, the simile captures the transformative effect of the memories on Moon as he goes from a state of calmness to shaking and crying.
A Turtle
The simile "Mr. Gene drew himself inwards like a turtle" perfectly describes Mr. Gene's reaction to Moon's sudden strike. It implies that Mr. Gene retires and shields himself automatically much like a turtle retracting into its shell for safety. Mr. Gene's sensitivity and the suddenness of his response are highlighted by the analogy, emphasizing his bodily and mental agony. The image of a turtle dragging its head and limbs inward portrays helplessness as if Mr. Gene is attempting to protect himself from more harm. This simile adds complexity to the situation by depicting the immediate effects of Moon's conduct and heightens the tension between the characters by allowing Moon to flee while Mr. Gene is disabled.
Blank my thoughts
The metaphor "I had to draw up my knees and roll over and blank my thoughts" represents the narrator's struggle to cope with his feelings and recollections. The motion of bringing up one's knees and rolling over suggests a protective attitude similar to curling up in a fetal position. This indicates a sense of vulnerability and the urge to protect oneself from the agony linked with the thoughts and emotions flowing within. The expression "blank my thoughts" suggests a conscious effort to repress or empty the mind, resulting in mental numbness. This metaphor depicts the narrator's attempt to negotiate the overpowering pain and love for Kit. It depicts the narrator's attempt to separate himself from the memories and emotions associated with Kit to find momentary relief from the weight of his loss. The persistence of Kit's images, on the other hand, suggests the difficulty of totally deleting his existence from the narrator's thoughts, emphasizing the continued influence of their friendship and the difficulties of moving onward.
An Alligator
The analogy "I twisted and rolled like an alligator but it did no good" underlines the speaker's desperate attempts to escape the constable's grip. The author creates a sense of fierce, primordial struggle and the speaker's physical agility in attempting to break free by comparing their motions to those of an alligator. When alligators seize their prey, they are famed for their forceful, twisting rolls, and by invoking this image, the author delivers a visual and visceral effect, emphasizing the speaker's tenacity. However, the statement "but it did no good" acts as a contrasting aspect, implying that the struggle was futile. Despite the speaker's greatest efforts, they are unable to break the constable's grip, implying the speaker's impotence and vulnerability. This simile not only provides a vivid description but also adds to the tension and reinforces the unequal power dynamic between the constable and the speaker.
Tent ropes under his skin
The simile "His face shot flame red, and veins stood like tent ropes under his skin," describes Sanders' tremendous wrath and indignation. The analogy between his face going red and shooting flames emphasizes the speed and intensity of his emotional reaction. It implies that his wrath is so intense that it physically manifests itself as if his face is on fire. Furthermore, the image of his veins standing like tent ropes beneath his skin highlights the outward embodiment of his rage. Tent ropes are pulled taut to hold up a structure, creating a sense of tension and pressure. This comparison suggests that Sanders' anger is not just an internal feeling but is visibly pulsating through his body, showcasing his heightened state of agitation.
A wet cat
The simile "this kid'll be on you like a wet cat" is used to indicate the potential intensity and unpredictability of Moon's behavior. The analogy uses the picture of a wet cat which is notorious for its uneasiness and agitation when wet. Wet fur clings to a cat's body making it unpleasant and prompting it to react with restlessness, defensive behavior, and increased awareness. By comparing Moon to a wet cat, the simile implies that he may exhibit comparable qualities such as discomfort, agitation, and a willingness to protect himself if provoked. The analogy also implies that the Moon is difficult to manage, suggesting the idea of a slippery and elusive entity that inspires caution and wariness.
