Flour
The simile "Every time I see a girl, I weigh her in my mind like flour" is a striking and vivid comparison that emphasizes the narrator's mental process when encountering women. By comparing this mental judgment to weighing flour, the narrator communicates a sense of objectification and reduction of women to mere commodities. Flour is a fundamental ingredient in making a variety of things and by relating girls to flour, the narrator argues that he devalues them, seeing them simply in terms of their potential to match certain expectations such as being marriage material or suited for motherhood. The simile provides insight into the complex social dynamics that influence how individuals perceive and interact with the opposite sex and it challenges readers to consider the impact of such objectification on women and their relationships with others.
An Orphan
The simile "Sometimes I feel like an orphan" conveys a profound sense of emotional isolation and vulnerability in the protagonist's character. By likening himself to an orphan, the protagonist is not necessarily suggesting that he has lost both parents but rather expressing the feeling of abandonment and a lack of connection to his paternal lineage. This simile serves as a poignant reflection of his unresolved emotions and the void left by his unknown father. It highlights the absence of paternal guidance and influence in his life which has likely left him with questions about his identity and a longing for a stronger sense of belonging and understanding of his roots. Moreover, the simile also alludes to broader themes of alienation and disconnection within society.
Space pods on the moon
The simile "The drifts are so high already that the cars look like space pods on the moon" captures the extraordinary and otherworldly aspect of the snow buildup. The term "drifts are so high" stresses the enormous depth of the snow, implying that it has reached an unprecedented level that makes navigation impossible. The phrase "space pods on the moon" conjures up a vivid mental picture of the scene. Because gravity is substantially weaker on the moon's surface than it is on Earth, objects appear to be suspended. The author evokes the sensation of weightlessness and isolation in the snow-covered environment by comparing the cars buried in snow to space pods, stressing the silent and bleak ambiance of the winter storm. The simile also alludes to the unfamiliarity of the environment, likening it to an extraterrestrial setting where the everyday objects and surroundings are transformed into something strange and unrecognizable.
A whole fifth of bourbon
The simile "Truth isn’t so bad once you look at it. It’s like throwing up after drinking a whole fifth of bourbon" draws a compelling analogy between facing the truth and the aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption. This comparison suggests that people often avoid the truth out of fear or discomfort just as one might try to avoid acknowledging the consequences of drinking too much bourbon. However, when the truth is finally confronted, it leads to a sense of release and relief akin to the act of purging one's system after excessive drinking.
Spy
The simile "He's like a spy" is used to describe Gottfried, portraying him as an astute and secretive individual. The comparison evokes the image of a spy who is known for their keen observation and stealthy approach. By likening Gottfried to a spy, the simile conveys that he possesses a heightened sense of awareness, constantly monitoring his surroundings and paying meticulous attention to even the smallest details. The simile not only adds depth to Gottfried's character but also creates an air of intrigue and mystery as it hints at potential hidden aspects of his personality and motives, leaving readers curious to uncover the reasons behind his spy-like behavior. Additionally, it introduces an element of tension in the story as Marla's comment implies that Gottfried's constant vigilance might make others uneasy or create an atmosphere of suspicion within their circle.
Rain
The simile "I looked over at him, and his face looked like rain" is a powerful comparison to vividly convey the emotional state of the father in the given situation. The simile effectively communicates the father's distress, worry, and emotional burden due to his recent cancer diagnosis. The phrase "looked like rain" implies that his face was clouded with emotions much like the gloomy sky before a downpour. The simile also suggests that his facial expression might have appeared teary, resembling the falling raindrops.
