The Shadow Line Metaphors and Similes

The Shadow Line Metaphors and Similes

Main deputy - Neptune at the Harbour Office metaphor

The narrator goes to the Harbour Office to talk to the main deputy about his position as a captain of a ship. He compares the deputy's power to the power of Neptune and his pen to Neptune's trident. It is the deputy who makes all of the important decisions and his pen is the pen that decides the fate of many men.

Officers' Home like a tomb simile

Upon entering the Officers' Home, the narrator feels the emptiness of the building. It was quiet and still just like a tomb with no life being heard anywhere.

Ship as a floating grave simile

The narrator's ship is barely moving at all, because there is no trace of wind to move it. The feeling of hopelessness overtakes him and he starts to have dark thoughts about the ship's fate. He compares the ship to a floating grave because he heard stories before of ships being found with a dead crew.

Pair of wings growing on shoulders simile

The narrator or rather the new captain of the ship finally meets the beauty that is his ship. He gets on the deck and sees one of the crew members. Upon letting him know that he is the new captain and witnessing the obedient and respectful reaction he gets, he feels so exhilarated, as if he grew a pair of wings on his shoulders.

Youth as enchanted garden metaphor

At the beginning of the novel, the narrator describes the meaning of youth and possibilities, and the new realization that youth brings upon a man. He leaves "the little gate of mere boyishness" and enters the "enchanted garden" that is youth.

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