Playing house
The simile "The weekend getaway felt special. It felt like playing house" compares the experience of the weekend getaway to the act of playing house which is a common childhood game where children pretend to be adults, creating a make-believe home scenario. By using this simile, the author evokes a sense of nostalgia and innocence, emphasizing the joy and lightheartedness they felt during the trip. The comparison suggests that the getaway provided an opportunity for the author and their partner to escape the complexities of adult life and responsibilities momentarily just like children do when engaging in imaginative play. Additionally, the simile also underscores the intimacy and closeness between the author and Brandon as playing house often involves role-playing and fostering a deeper connection with one another.
Petals
The simile "Her fingers wrapped around mine delicately, the skin translucent like petals" portrays the delicate and tender nature of the interaction between the narrator and their great-grandmother. By comparing the great-grandmother's skin to translucent petals, the author conveys a sense of fragility and ethereal beauty. The simile evokes a vivid image of the gentle touch as if the great-grandmother's fingers were as soft and light as flower petals. This comparison also suggests a sense of vulnerability, hinting at the advanced age of the great-grandmother and the fleeting nature of life. This simile allows readers to feel the intimacy and significance of the moment while also symbolizing the preciousness of family connections.
The Death Star
The metaphor "The Death Star had grown significantly in the past few weeks" encapsulates the profound transformation and emotional gravity of the pregnancy journey. Comparing the baby's growth to the awe-inspiring and imposing Death Star from the Star Wars universe amplifies the sense of marvel and wonder that the author experiences as life takes shape within her. Just as the Death Star is a symbol of power and potential destruction, the metaphor hints at the mix of excitement and trepidation about the future that often accompanies parenthood. Moreover, it adds a touch of playfulness and creativity to the narrative, infusing the personal experience with elements of pop culture and fantasy.
A knife
The simile "Pain twisted my womb like a knife" conveys the intensity and severity of the physical suffering experienced by the narrator during the miscarriage. By likening the pain to a knife, the author evokes a sharp and excruciating sensation, capturing the acute and unbearable nature of the discomfort. The use of "twisted" suggests a writhing motion, adding to the sense of torment and agony. This simile highlights the profound loss and devastation she is enduring as her body undergoes the traumatic experience of losing her unborn child. The vivid and evocative language of this simile effectively immerses the reader in the narrator's emotional turmoil and makes the passage deeply resonant and emotionally charged.
A map
The simile "The information fanned out in front of me was laid out like a map" suggests that the information before them is organized and structured much like the layout of a map with clear directions and paths to follow. This simile reflects the narrator's sense of purpose and direction as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Like a cartographer plotting a course, the narrator uses the information to navigate their way towards understanding their identity and heritage. The simile also implies that the information is key to unlocking the knowledge of their ancestral past and the stories of their tribe. Just as a map can guide a traveler, the information before them acts as a guide on their personal and cultural exploration.
Liquid fire
The simile "Jack Daniel’s was coursing through me so intensely my veins felt like liquid fire" vividly describes the effects of consuming alcohol on the narrator. The simile captures the physical and emotional impact of the alcohol, suggesting that it was overwhelming and all-consuming. The phrase "liquid fire" conjures images of heat, intensity, and rapid movement which aligns with the rapid circulation of alcohol in the bloodstream. Moreover, the simile hints at a sense of danger and risk associated with excessive alcohol consumption as fire can symbolize destruction and recklessness.
