Reluctant Schoolboy (simile)
The narrator asserts, “His muscles unknotted. His nerves stopped screaming, and consciousness returned like a reluctant schoolboy" to compare Holden's consciousness returning after experiencing a painful leg cramp. This simile is used to illustrate how Holden's consciousness, much like a schoolboy, was reluctant to return, but it eventually did slowly and gradually due to the effects of the drugs. The comparison is significant because it highlights how Holden is struggling to cope with the moral complexities of his military experiences and is trying to find a way to manage his pain and anguish. The simile illustrates that even though Holden is an experienced military veteran, he can still sympathize with a seemingly mundane problem.
Human Violence (metaphor)
The narrator uses the metaphor of a "clot of human violence" to describe the mob of people that Miller saw when he connected to the central surveillance network. This metaphor suggests that the mob was a dense, compact group of people that was filled with violence and aggression. It indicates that the mob was a unified force of destruction and chaos and that it was powerful enough to overwhelm anything in its path. The metaphor also suggests that the mob was a force that could not be reasoned with or stopped by conventional means. It highlights the danger of the situation as it creates a sense of dread and fear. Therefore, it helps to show the power of the mob, and how it can quickly turn a peaceful situation into one filled with violence and destruction.
Riots (simile)
The narrator uses the simile "riots had lasted for three days on and off, like a fire hot enough to reignite every time the air pumped back in" to compare the riots at Ceres Station to the behavior of a fire. This comparison stresses the intensity of the riots and the idea that they keep reigniting, despite attempts to put them out. It suggests that the people of Ceres Station are so passionate and determined in their cause, that their anger and frustration will never truly be put out; instead reigniting each time stimulus is pumped back in. Furthermore, the cause of the riots is so strong that it is akin to an inferno, which can be difficult to control and often have devastating consequences.
Little Glacier (simile)
There is a simile comparing the Canterbury to a "little glacier" which had "crushed Paj's arm." The simile accentuates the enormity and the power of the Canterbury, which is described as having "fully loaded" with "over a million tons of ice." The comparison of a large spacecraft to a small glacier denotes that Canterbury has an immense mass and a great deal of inertia, making it difficult to slow down. This simile also suggests that Canterbury, like a glacier, has the potential to cause great destruction if not handled properly. Thus, it is used to highlight the gravity of the situation, and the responsibility of the captain and Holden to follow the law and render aid.
Into the Bottle (metaphor)
An example of a metaphor in the narrative is the phrase"descended into the bottle." This metaphor is used to describe Miller's reaction to losing his job with Star Helix. This metaphor suggests that Miller is so overwhelmed by the loss of his job that he is sinking into a bottle of alcohol, symbolizing his depression and sense of helplessness. The figure of speech also implies that Miller is trying to find comfort in alcohol and that his drinking is a form of escape from his current situation. The metaphor underscores the gravity of Miller's situation and his desperation to find a way out.
