"The very air became polluted by his vile talk and profanity, so that the home was like a hell.” (Metaphor)
As Elof Ersson experiences withdrawal and paralysis, he verbally abuses Karin and Ingmar to manipulate them into giving him alcohol. Elof's presence becomes so toxic that it is nearly impossible for Karin and Ingmar to reside in the same home with him; in fact, Karin sends Ingmar to live with the Storms, specifically to protect him from Elof's emotional abuse. This metaphor compares Elof's behavior to air pollution to demonstrate the extent to which his words negatively affect Karin's emotional and physical well-being. Just as polluted air makes a home dangerous and unliveable, Elof's presence made the Ingmar Farm uninhabitable.
"It seemed to be a mingling of groans and curses, of sobs and angry cries, of the blast of horns, of crackling fire, of the plaints of doomed spirits, of the mocking laughter of demons, of the flapping of huge wings.” (Simile)
As the villagers huddle in Strong Ingmar's cottage against the storm and avalanche, they attribute the threatening sounds to frightening Biblical figures, like Satan and demonic forces. This series of similes demonstrates the themes of signs and omens and religious devotion. Unable to see the natural forces at play outside, the villagers interpret the phenomenon through a Biblical lens, personifying their fear using characters and images with which they are familiar. Similarly, their inability to interact with the outside world or comprehend the social changes brought about by industrialization compels them to cling more tightly to religious fundamentalism as a way of understanding their world.
“A stout branch of the good old family tree.” (Metaphor)
Though Ingmar despises Hellgum, he acts with integrity and mercy, two essential qualities of an Ingmar leader, when he saves Hellgum's life. Though Ingmar is disconnected from his farm, his actions demonstrate his acceptance and worthiness of his legacy. After Ingmar saves Hellgum's life, Karin describes Ingmar as a "stout branch of the good old family tree." Though Karin practically raised Ingmar and considers him a child, she validates his place as a leader in the family and the heir of his father's reputation. A "family tree" is a common analogy to demonstrate the web of relationships within a family, and in the context of Jerusalem, the imagery of a "family tree" also demonstrates the connection between family and ancestral lands, particularly forests, which are the source of the Ingmarssons' wealth and pride.
"Her poor heart was like a ravaged garden, in which all the flowers had been uprooted, and now Grief, as a gardener, moved about in there, planting thistles and poisonous herbs.” (Simile)
Feeling abandoned by Ingmar, Gertrude struggles to maintain a healthy emotional life and often ruminates on her grief and anger. In this simile, she compares her emotional state to a "ravaged garden," evoking the natural, pastoral imagery throughout the text. By personifying her grief as a cruel gardener, Gertrude expresses her feelings of helplessness and inability to regulate her emotions. The "poisonous herbs" in the simile demonstrate that the painful feelings Gertrude experiences will likely only grow like a plant and may one day be used for vengeance, like a poisonous herb given to an enemy.
"He pictured him sitting on a fine, red-painted reaper, cracking his whip over the horses, and mowing down the thick, waving grass, as a war hero mows down his enemies.” (Simile)
As Hök Matts Ericsson debates whether or not he should sell his farm to join the Hellgumists in Jerusalem, he imagines his son, Gabriel, tending the farm one day. In this simile, the text compares the act of running the family farm to being a war hero, using valorous, romanticized language. The simile underscores the importance of legacy and connection to land and community, prominent themes throughout the text. In Hök Matts Ericsson's estimation, tending the land and embracing legacy is as noble an act as participating in a righteous war.
