A Prison Hospital (Simile)
At the Workhouse, which doubles as a hospital, Niggle is forced to perform menial tasks every day, taking bitter medicine and interacting with stern, unfriendly doctors. The narrator remarks on his experience by saying, "It was more like being in a prison than in a hospital." This simile captures Niggle's feelings about the place; he finds it unpleasant, and he is not allowed to leave, just like a prison. This description underscores the allegory of the Workhouse as a form of Purgatory, where sinners must work to cleanse themselves of their sins before they can move on to Heaven.
A King's Feast (Simile)
As Niggle overhears the two Voices discussing his case while lying in bed in the dark, the Second Voice recommends that they give him a bit of "gentle treatment" now, after having endured the Workhouse for so long. To Niggle, "he had never heard anything so generous as that Voice. It made Gentle Treatment sound like a load of rich gifts, and the summons to a King's feast" (6). Niggle recognizes the grace, mercy, and kindness that the Second Voice exudes, leading many to interpret the Second Voice as an allegory for Jesus Christ.
The Tree (Simile)
When Niggle is about to enter the Mountains, he looks back on his country and the work of creation he has done. The narrator uses a simile to describe what Niggle sees, saying, "The blossom on the Great Tree was shining like flame" (9). In the perspective of eternity, his beautiful act of creation stands out as a worthwhile and valuable piece of work, as evidenced by the strength and brilliance of the blossom. The story ends with the suggestion that creative work is a valuable and worthwhile pursuit, as it becomes a way for humans to honor their own Creator.
