The simile of love
The best thing in Izzy’s life is falling in love with Cyrus. The author compares the love between Izzy and Cyrus to the handling candle. The narrator says, "…they whispered to each other like a handling candle." A handling candle is an idiomatic expression that compares the evenness of similar things. The simile shows that Cyrus and Izzy cannot live without each other. Love creates a strong bond between two people making it difficult to break. Izzy does not imagine that Cyrus can leave her for another woman in her lifetime.
Affection (simile)
The author compares Izzy’s affection for Cyrus to death. The narrator says, “Her love for Cyrus felt like a different kind of death.” Izzy considers Cyrus special because he is caring, loving and compassionate. The reader learns that the only thing that can separate Izzy from Cyrus is death, and she hopes such an eventuality will never happen. The simile in this context is an analogy of the Bible when newlyweds promise to stand by each other until death.
Desert mirage (Simile)
The gleaming of Mylar streamers tied to the handlebars of the little girl’s bicycle is compared to a desert mirage. The narrator says, “The streamers gleamed like water or a desert mirage.” The simile is important because it reminds Izzy of her past. When she looks at the gleaming streamers of the little girl’s bicycle, she remembers her miscarriage. According to Izzy, her child should be the age mate of the little girl ahead of her.
