Garland Composed of Several Wreaths (Simile)
"The Blazing World was like a garland composed of several wreaths, whereof every one was made up of different flowers." (Part One)
In this simile, Cavendish compares the Blazing World to a garland composed of several wreaths made up of different flowers. By likening the Blazing World to a garland, Cavendish highlights the diversity and uniqueness of the individual realms in the Blazing World. Just as different flowers possess their own colors, shapes, and fragrances, each realm within the Blazing World has its own distinct characteristics, inhabitants, and rules. This simile suggests that the Blazing World is a collection of diverse and richly imagined species, contributing to its overall beauty and complexity.
Tinder in Her Soul (Simile)
"The knowledge of the fire of the blazing world was but as tinder in her soul, which the least spark of strange and new opinions would presently set on fire." (Part One)
In this simile, Cavendish compares the protagonist's knowledge of the fire in the Blazing World to the tinder in her soul. This comparison serves to illustrate the protagonist's intense curiosity and receptiveness to new ideas. Tinder is a highly flammable material that ignites easily when exposed to a spark or flame. By likening the protagonist's knowledge to tinder, Cavendish suggests that her understanding of the fire in the Blazing World is like a potential source of ignition within her. It implies that the protagonist's knowledge is ready to be ignited and transformed into a passionate response when confronted with new and unfamiliar ideas.
Floodgate (Metaphor)
"Her tongue became a flood-gate, which no man could stop, nor dam up." (Part One)
In this metaphor, Cavendish compares the protagonist's tongue to a floodgate that cannot be stopped or dammed. This metaphor vividly portrays the protagonist's unrestrained and unstoppable ability to speak and express herself, suggesting that the protagonist's words possess a force and impact that cannot be easily contained. Like a flood that overflows its banks, her speech has the potential to overwhelm and impact those who hear it. It indicates that her words carry weight and significance, and they have the ability to influence and shape the thoughts and actions of others.
Hunted Hare (Simile)
"And thus like a hunted hare she scudded through the air, till at last she came to a huge mountain of crystal, which seemed as if it had been made by art and nature." (Part One)
This simile compares the protagonist's flight through the air to that of a hunted hare. This simile creates a vivid image of the protagonist's swift and desperate attempt to escape, as well as the awe-inspiring sight that awaits her. By drawing this comparison, Cavendish portrays the protagonist's flight as quick and agile, evoking a sense of urgency and the need to evade pursuit. It suggests that the protagonist navigates the air with the same grace and evasiveness as a hare attempting to elude its hunters.
Two Thoughts (Simile)
"Thus those two female souls travelled together as lightly as two thoughts into the Duchess her native world." (Part One)
In this simile, Cavendish describes the platonic nature of the relationship between the Empress and the Duchess, comparing their travels to the movement of "two thoughts." This simile emphasizes the ease with which the two women remain bonded, as well as the abstract way they move through space and time through the power of the immaterial spirits.
