A runaway tongue
The simile "Don't talk like a girl with a runaway tongue" describes the speaker's feisty and spontaneous speech. It compares the speaker's speech to that of a girl with a runaway tongue, implying that their words are flowing out freely and without consideration. The comparison implies that the speaker's words are hurried which could lead to trouble. The analogy provides a vivid image of words escaping beyond control by comparing their speech to a "runaway tongue," matching the idea of a tongue that cannot be reined in. This figurative language highlights the necessity for the speaker to use caution with their words and reminds them of the value of intelligent communication.
Puzzle pieces
The simile "The skin on her hands has wrinkles shaped like puzzle pieces, clicking together just so" compares Bà's wrinkles to puzzle pieces that click together. This vivid comparison generates a compelling visual image and accentuates the wrinkles' complexities and precision. The creases fit together like jigsaw pieces making a unified and harmonious design on her skin. The analogy implies that Bà's life experiences and the passage of time have left their imprint on her hands, resulting in a one-of-a-kind and intricate story. Overall, this simile depicts the beauty and depth found in Bà's hands, emphasizing the richness of her life and experiences.
Until my spit dries up
The metaphor "I should call Mom and complain until my spit dries up" expresses the protagonist's wish to contact their mother and air their problems freely. The metaphor creates a sense of the protagonist's determination to exhaust every imaginable complaint until they have nothing more to say by stressing the drying up of their spit. As they wrestle with the difficulties of their connection with their mother, the metaphor underscores their effort to find an outlet for their emotions. Despite their want to confide in her, they are hesitant to discuss the more serious matters regarding HIM for fear of the consequences. Thus, the metaphor captures their mental anguish and internalized suffering as they remain mute and alone.
Old ketchup fries
The narrator uses a simile to explain their skin's sensation in the high heat and humidity of their surroundings: "My skin turns sticky and oily, like old ketchuped fries." This comparison conveys a clear image of the narrator's discomfort and physical state. Their skin becomes sticky, resembling old ketchup fries, implying a tacky and disagreeable texture. The stickiness could be caused by a mix of sweat and excessive humidity which results in a clammy sensation. The allusion to old ketchup accentuates the unpleasant character of the feeling, conjuring pictures of a greasy and unattractive texture.
Parachutes
In the given simile, "the bombs were quite near, opening up like parachutes inside my eardrums," the author used vivid imagery to depict the overwhelming and scary impact of the explosions. The reference to parachutes popping up inside the protagonist's eardrums emphasizes the powerful and invasive character of the sound. Parachutes are generally associated with calm, controlled fall but in this setting, they become a symbol of destruction and mayhem. The use of this simile effectively conveys the profound psychological and physical impact of the bombs, highlighting the traumatic nature of war and its effects on the characters.
