Working like the ringed sections of a tree trunk
The internal working of the new version of a printed wife is compared to the ringed sections of a tree trunk. The narrator says, "I could watch the printing, which still fascinated me, the weaving and webbing of each layer of tissue, the cross-sectional view of her internal working like the ringed sections of a tree trunk." It is ordinary for men to kill their wives in the narrative because they can easily pay for a new reprint, which replaces the deceased wife. The narrator enjoys watching the printing session of his new wife, and he compares his internal work to a tree's ringed trunk.
Looking like part of a circus performers costume
Liddy is going through a transformation because she is growing wings at her age, which signifies that she is about to mature into womanhood. The growing wings are matched up to a performer's costume. The narrator says, "They looked ornamental, an intentional contrast to her milky skin and the downy blond hair her legs, looking like part of a circus performer’s costume.” Consequently, when a young girl grows wings, she looks more beautiful, signifying that she is about to mature and become a grown woman.
The simile of zits
The outgrowths suddenly appearing on the young girls' bodies are compared to zits. Mags says, "They just look like zits to me." Mags is not happy with Liddy's white bumps, and she suggests that they should see a doctor. However, the doctor discloses that it is normal for young girls to under such transformations to allow the growth of wings.
