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Similes
Key Examples in A Horseman in the Sky
Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Druse’s Courage:
When describing Druse’s experience in the Union army up until this point, the narrator uses alliteration, as seen in the following passage:
By conscience and courage, by deeds of devotion and daring, he soon commended himself to his fellows and his officers; and it was to these qualities and to some knowledge of the country that he owed his selection for his present perilous duty at the extreme outpost.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Druse Killing His Father:
That Druse decides to kill his father after recalling words of advice that his father gave him makes his father’s death an example of situational irony. While readers might assume that Druse would honor his father by not killing him, he instead honors the man by taking his words about duty to heart.
The following passage captures how Druse ironically justifies killing his father using his father’s own words:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Druse withdrew his eyes from the valley and fixed them again upon the group of man and horse in the sky, and again it was through the sights of his rifle. But this time his aim was at the horse. In his memory, as if they were a divine mandate, rang the words of his father at their parting: “Whatever may occur, do what you conceive to be your duty.” […] Duty had conquered; the spirit had said to the body: “Peace, be still.” He fired.
Related Themes:
