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Setting
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
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Shadow :
Christie uses a simile that compares the timid Mrs. Ethel Rogers, who serves as housekeeper and cook on the island, to a “shadow” in a scene in which schoolmistress Vera Claythorne asks Mrs. Rogers about the surprisingly low number of staff on the island:
Mrs. Rogers said: “I’m a good cook and Rogers is handy about the house. I didn’t know, of course, that there was to be such a large party.”
Vera said: “But you can manage?”
“Oh yes, Miss, I can manage. If there’s to be large parties often perhaps Mrs. Owen could get extra help in.”
Vera said, “I expect so.”
Mrs. Rogers turned to go. Her feet moved noiselessly over the ground. She drifted from the room like a shadow.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Panther:
Christie uses a simile and metaphor that compare Philip Lombard to a panther in one of many instances in which she characterizes him using the language of a predatory cat. As the guests on Soldier Island are called to dinner, the narrator states:
Unlock with LitCharts A+As the gong sounded, Philip Lombard came out of his room and walked to the head of the stairs. He moved like a panther, smoothly and noiselessly. There was something of the panther about him altogether. A beast of prey—pleasant to the eye. He was smiling to himself. A week—eh? He was going to enjoy that week.
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Detective Story:
Anthony Marston uses a simile that ironically compares the situation on Soldier Island to a “detective story” due to the mysterious absence of their host, Mr. Owen, and a gramophone recording that accuses the guests of a series of murders. The narrator describes the comments of Justice Wargrave, who proposes that they all leave the island as soon as possible, and Marston, who is, in contrast, excited by the surprising turn of events:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Then in my opinion it would be well if we all left tomorrow morning as soon as Narracott’s boat arrives.”
There was a chorus of agreement with only one dissentient voice. It was Anthony Marston who disagreed with the majority.
“A bit unsporting, what?” he said. “Ought to ferret out the mystery before we go. Whole thing’s like a detective story. Positively thrilling.”
The judge said acidly: “At my time of life, I have no desire for ‘thrills’ as you call them.”
Anthony said with a grin: “The legal life’s narrowing! I’m all for crime! Here’s to it.”
Chapter 13
Explanation and Analysis—Bestial Types:
The narrator uses a series of similes and metaphors that compare the surviving guests to various animals as they abandon social etiquette and openly express their mutual suspicion:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And all of them, suddenly, looked less like human beings. They were reverting to more bestial types. Like a wary old tortoise, Mr. Justice Wargrave sat hunched up, his body motionless, his eyes keen and alert. Ex-Inspector Blore looked coarser and clumsier in build. His walk was that of a slow padding animal [...] Philip Lombard’s senses seemed heightened, rather than diminished. His ears reacted to the slightest sound. His step was lighter and quicker, his body was lithe and graceful. And he smiled often, his lips curling back from his long white teeth. Vera Claythorne [...] was like a bird that has dashed its head against glass [...]
