Scorched Throats (simile)
The narrator describes "their throats scorched, they cloaked their faces against the fetid air" which compares the feeling of the Bergens' throats to being scorched suggesting that they were extremely dry and parched. The comparison of their throats to something that has been scorched conveys a sense of desperation in their situation. This simile conveys the image of a harsh and oppressive environment, with the Bergens and their family's suffering made all the more palpable by the comparison. The simile helps to create an image in the reader's mind of the Bergens' suffering and the hopelessness of their current state.
Human Ballast (simile)
In the following excerpt, the narrator compares the passengers to human ballast. The “passengers were confined like human ballast to the dark stench of the hold all day, where frequent retching from all corners joined the chorus of moaning”. Ballast is a material used to provide stability and counterbalance to a ship, and this simile suggests that the passengers are being held down in the cramped and unpleasant conditions of the hold to keep the ship balanced. This comparison serves to emphasize the oppressive and inhumane conditions of the voyage, as well as the lack of control that the passengers have in the face of the powerful forces of nature.
Five Points (simile)
In the narrative, the simile used to describe Five Points is "like a swamp that had been drained". This simile is used to convey the squalid conditions of the area, by comparing it to a swamp that has been drained of its water. The image of a swamp drained of its water is one of desolation and emptiness, which reflects the poverty and deprivation of the area. This comparison also highlights the unhealthy and unhygienic conditions of the area, as swamps are often associated with disease and pollution. The simile effectively conveys the dire state of Five Points, showing the reader how its inhabitants were met with such harsh conditions.
Bad Food (metaphor)
One metaphor in the story is when James says, "I hope you like wood pulp and dog meat". This metaphor is used to describe the poor quality of food served at the orphanage. Wood pulp and dog meat are metaphors for food that is unappetizing and not very nutritious. This metaphor paints a vivid picture of the difficult conditions faced by the orphans, as they are forced to eat food that is of such low quality. It also serves to emphasize the lack of care and attention given to the children by the orphanage staff. The metaphor conveys a sense of despair and hopelessness, as the orphans have no control over the quality of food they are served and are powerless to improve their situation.
Sense of Safety (simile)
The narrator asserts, “At some point, the fabric of their voices covered Alma like a blanket, and she succumbed to sleep, heavily and gratefully.” In this excerpt, the author uses a simile to compare Alma's feeling of being covered by the fabric of their voices to a blanket. This comparison suggests that Alma felt comforted and protected by the voices of her friends. The simile conveys the idea that Alma felt warm and secure as if she was being wrapped up in a cozy blanket. It also implies that her friends were providing her with a sense of safety and support, which allowed her to relax and drift off to sleep.
