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Definition of Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as," but can also... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often... read full definition
Similes
Explanation and Analysis—Bailey’s Wife:
When introducing readers to Bailey’s wife at the beginning of the story, O’Connor uses a pair of similes, as seen in the following passage:
Bailey didn’t look up from his reading so [the grandmother] wheeled around then and faced the children’s mother, a young woman in slacks, whose face was as broad and innocent as a cabbage and was tied around with a green headkerchief that had two points on the top like rabbit’s ears. She was sitting on the sofa, feeding the baby his apricots out of a jar.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Like an Old Turkey:
When describing the grandmother’s reaction to hearing the gunshots that kill her son Bailey and her grandson John Wesley, the narrator uses a simile, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There were two more pistol reports and the grandmother raised her head like a parched old turkey hen crying for water and called, “Bailey Boy, Bailey Boy!” as if her heart would break.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Bailey’s Shirt:
After the family gets into a car accident on their road trip while arguing, O’Connor describes how each character fared. Her description of Bailey includes a simile, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Bailey’s teeth were clattering. He had on a yellow sport shirt with bright blue parrots designed in it and his face was as yellow as the shirt.
Related Themes:
