Margotte’s foot placed forward “like a dancer”
O’Brien exhibits a great deal of prowess in the use of language, particularly, in the description of Margotte. Seated, the writer uses a simile to present her appearance which is likened to that of a dancer: “Seated, she put out one foot like a dancer, instep curved forward.” This comparative language use enables imagery of her appearance.
Uncle Sammler
Uncle Sammler is described vividly in the work. His facial features and scars that make his appearance unique are well brought out. The narrator notes that: “There were, however, on the left side, the blind side, thin long lines like the lines in a cracked glass or within a cake of ice.” In this way, a more well-founded visual connotation of Uncle Sammler is enhanced.
The appearance of the stems of the avocados
In the demonstration of the similarities between people or things, a comparative approach that enhances the visual image evoked by the language employed is central. This is achieved in this work through the writer’s comparison of the stems of the avocados to firework sticks to enhance conceptions: “The stems of the avocados looked like the sticks of fireworks falling back after the flash.”
The lobby tiles
The sickening nature as well as the imagery of the lobby tiles is well enhanced through a simile: “The lobby made him ill, tiles like yellow teeth set in desperate grime, and the stinking elevator shaft.” The description of the lobby and the associated subsequent sickening effect on the character is comprehensible.
The waiting student
Sammler explores the appearance of the waiting student and as he does so, the reader is able to develop a more profound understanding of his facial features. In particular, he notes “that [the student’s] sideburns stood like powerful bushy pillars to the head.” Whilst the use of this simile enhances the reader’s perception of the waiting student’s facial appearance, the straight and erect nature of his sideburns.
