"Her lips were as red and moist as pomegranate seed." (Simile)
As temptation grows, Alcée behold's Calixta's lips. This simile seems to be written from Alcée's perspective, as he sees his former lover's lips as moist and sweet as a delectable fruit. In Greek mythology, Persephone succumbs to temptation and eats a pomegranate offered to her by Hades, god of the underworld, which ultimately forces Persephone to marry him. Here, this allusion fortifies the pomegranate as a symbol of dangerous temptation.
"like a creamy lily..." (Simile)
Chopin, while describing the love-making act, likens Calixta's "firm, elastic skin," to a "creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world." The simile evokes Calixta's fertility as well as her delicate, life-giving beauty. By involving the sense of smell, Chopin also makes this scene all the more sensuous.
"like a white flame" (Simile)
Chopin also likens Calixta's passion to a white flame that speaks to a desire and pleasure that Calixta had not before known. The author uses this simile to show the gratification that comes with succumbing to an illicit affair with a man from Calixta's past.
"The sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems." (Metaphor)
Chopin uses this florid metaphor to impart the world surrounding Calixta and Alcée with a dazzling beauty following the resignation of their flame. As the storm—metaphorical and literal—passes, the verdant Lousiana countryside glistens impossibly.
