The glistening film of sweat
The appearance of the film of sweat on Gordon Finch’s face is enhanced through the use of a simile. Specifically, the sparkle of sweat is compared to that of oil, a language that facilitates a profound conception of its appearance: “A film of sweat like oil glistened on his round face, and his thin blond hair lay in lank strands over his skull.”
Josiah Claremont
Claremont’s memory is failing such that he is unable to find his way through the corridors of Jesse Hall. The writer uses a simile in which his helplessness is perceived as he is helped around like a child: “His memory was nearly gone; sometimes he became lost in the corridors of Jesse Hall, where his office was located and had to be led like a child to his desk.”
Edith’s expressionless and white face
The writer employs a simile in the presentation of Edith’s expressionless white face. In particular, the imagery is enhanced through the explicit comparison to a face mask thus emphasizing her impassive appearance: The writer notes: “William could see that Edith was silent; her face was like a mask, expressionless and white.”
The deserted lobby
The writer emphasizes the ‘creepy’ appearance of the uninhabited lobby through the use of a simile. The direct comparison of the lobby to a cave emphasizes its deserted, dark, and heavy appearance. The writer notes: “The lobby was nearly deserted, dark and heavy like a cavern Suddenly her hands came out at him like claws, and he almost jerked away.”
The bursts of laughter
The sound of the bursts of laughter from the people at the party is enhanced and emphasized through the use of a simile. The writer notes: " …laughter was quick and nervous, and it burst like tiny explosives in a continuous but unrelated barrage all over the room.”
