A peanut shell
The author describes the old man's head with a simile: "His head was shaped like a peanut shell." The old man's head is compared to a peanut shell in this simile, emphasizing his large skull and chin, sunken cheeks, and toothless lips. This comparison highlights the man's age and weathered appearance. It also implies fragility as a peanut shell is readily cracked and delicate. This simile allows the reader to imagine the man's physical attributes and form a mental image of him. The analogy also contributes to the character of the elderly man, emphasizing the sense that he is an aging gentleman who has seen better days.
Washed-out blonde
The metaphor "washed-out blonde with sad eyes and an unhappy mouth" is used in the story to describe the waitress, and it represents her sadness and hopelessness. The terms "washed-out" and "unhappy" represent the sense that her life has been robbed of color and joy, and she is suffering from depression. The metaphor also implies that she has little control over her circumstances because her fate has already been decided. Her "sad eyes" and "unhappy mouth" indicate that she has gone through a lot and is stuck in her current circumstances. It is a powerful metaphor that creates empathy in the reader by painting a vivid picture of her life.
Clown
The simile "and for a second she looked uncannily like a clown" is used to compare Mrs. Langrishe to a clown. Her countenance turns from a sly, evil smirk to a scowl, and the narrator remarks that her face appears "uncannily like a clown" at that point. This connection most likely alludes to the clown's white mask-like face and exaggerated features which can be seen in Mrs. Langrishe's look. The analogy could also be construed as a remark on Mrs. Langrishe's character as clowns are frequently linked with mischief and frivolity. This says that Mrs. Langrishe is a bit of a trickster and may be prone to fool those around her with her clever wit.
A statue
The simile in this passage is "Clare seemed to register nothing, just stood there like a statue." This simile is used to emphasize the shock and confusion that Clare is feeling in the situation. It highlights her emotional detachment from the events happening around her as she stands motionless and unresponsive. It implies that the horror of the situation has rendered her numb and silent like a statue. The simile also serves to draw a comparison between Clare and the classical figures from an ancient Greek play, emphasizing the timelessness of the tragedy unfolding.
The cool night
The metaphor "The night outside was cool now, and the day's smoke had cleared from the air at last" is used to depict the narrator's sense of relief and serenity at the end of their voyage. The smoke depicts their journey's worry and tiredness, which has been washed away by the cold night air. The metaphor communicates a sense of serenity and release from the stresses of the day. The narrator portrays optimism and hope for the future by conjuring this image. It also depicts the narrator's yearning for a fresh start now that the smoke that had been blocking their path to the future has cleared.
Smoking in a cathedral
This simile compares smoking in the dry grass beside the house to smoking in a cathedral. This contrast is intended to stress the significance of exercising caution when smoking in a dry and hot area, as even a small spark can cause a devastating inferno. The parallel to a cathedral is used to underline the serious implications of such an action, as a cathedral is a hallowed and holy location. This contrast also portrays the dryness of the surroundings, as a cathedral is often considered a place of quiet reverence, and smoking in such an environment would be unacceptable.
