Metaphor: Friendly Atmosphere
When Celia addresses Mme. Padva as “Madame," everyone " turns to look at her in surprise." Being rather amused, Mme. Padva suggests that they should “loosen those corset laces” if they want to have an intimate atmosphere during the meeting. To "loosen corset laces" means to free oneself of formalities, which is a perfect way to suggest that a party will be more fun if people are not as concerned with propriety or manners.
Simile: Shocked
Marco meets Celia during an audition. He realizes that this young woman is not just an artist: she is also his opponent. He is so shocked that his face becomes “as white as a sheet.” The sudden paleness of Marco indicates that he is extremely impressed with Celia’s abilities and her personality. He also had not imagined that he would meet her under such circumstances.
Simile: An Animated Conversation
Chandresh is not only a great theatrical producer but also a great host. People he invites are usually friendly, talkative, and open-minded. The conversation they have is “as pleasant and flowing as the wine.” This simile involving wine indicates that the conversation is natural and goes as easily as a bottle of wine pours.
Metaphor: Magicians and Audiences
When explaining his relationship to other magicians, Hector says that "They are a bunch of fish covered in feathers trying to convince the public they can fly, and I am simply a bird in their midst." This metaphor uses animals to convey the fact that Hector is a true magician—in this case, he is a bird—and other people pretending to be magicians with their silly tricks and legerdemain are not even close—they are fish wearing feathers to try to convince the audience they are birds. This sets up the dynamic between real magic and pretend magic that is present throughout the novel.
Metaphor: Fish in a Bowl
Tsukiko explains to Isobel that there is something going on with the circus: the people who work there are simply "fish in a bowl" (246). They are "carefully monitored" and if one "floats to the top," then it was on purpose. This metaphor aptly expresses how everything the circus participants do is visible to the powers that control them: they may think they have autonomy, but the parameters of their space are defined for them. If they put a toe (fin?) out of line, then they may find themselves at the top of the water.
