Hand-me-down Jewelry (simile)
The narrator uses the simile "medical masks hanging from their ears like hand-me-down jewelry" to depict the people walking by them with the plague. This phrase indicates that the medical masks, which are necessary to prevent the spread of the plague, are not seen as valuable items but as objects of little worth, like "hand-me-down jewelry" that has been passed down from one family member to the next. Consequently, the comparison demonstrates how the plague has caused people to lose all hope, as their only protection against the deadly virus seems in poor condition or salvaged. It also highlights the feeling of vulnerability that the narrator and Mitch feel as they witness the devastating effects of the plague on their community.
Spirit Animal (metaphor)
Chief compares the women in his group to birds, assigning each one of them a different type of bird. He refers to Owl as the "wise one," Wren as the "sensual one," and Grouse as the "matron." These metaphors affirm that Owl has knowledge of the stars, Wren is passionate and intense, and Grouse is the authoritative, maternal figure of the group. Through the descriptions, the Chief is underscoring their roles within the group and their unique personalities. Hence, highlights their collective strength and potential as a group, as well as the importance of their roles.
Paper Planes (simile)
The phrase "paper planes folded out of weekly flyers" is used to depict the sound of Frenchie's words "swooshing through the air." His words are light and playful, like a paper plane, but they also carry some kind of power, like a flyer with an interesting message. The paper planes are a representation of the power of words and the flyers as a symbol of the potential for communication and connection. Through Frenchie's voice, the author is inferring that the words had a lasting effect, even if they were subtle. The comparison of paper planes and flyers highlights the importance of communication even amid a chaotic and frightening world.
Comradeship (metaphor)
French asserts that giving answers felt like "dropping pieces of myself on the path." This analogy depicts the feeling of answering questions from Tree and Zheegwon. Through this phrase, French is maintaining that revealing information about himself and his journey could be dangerous for the people he is with. This metaphor speaks to the vulnerability and fear that French feels at that moment, as he is aware that his words could put his friends at risk. Additionally, it expresses the weight of his experiences and the difficult decisions he has had to make. While also showcasing the brotherhood between French, Tree, and Zheegwon, as they are all putting pieces of themselves onto the path willingly to be together.
Shock (metaphor)
The use of the metaphor “I couldn’t be more surprised if you removed your head and flew around the room” depicts the shock that French feels. The phrase affirms that the shock is so great that it is almost unimaginable. French’s life has been completely upended and the situation is so strange and unexpected that it feels like something that could only happen in a dream. The statement insists that the character is feeling overwhelmed by the information about the procedure of removing bone marrow that leaves the patients unable to heal. The metaphor helps to accentuate the confusion and surprise as he struggles to reconcile the casual nature of Mitch’s response.
