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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—Describing Calixta:
When the narrator is describing Calixta through Bobinôt’s eyes, they use hyperbole as well as a simile, as seen in the following passage:
Her eyes,—Bobinôt thought of her eyes, and weakened,—the bluest, the drowsiest, most tantalizing that ever looked into a man’s; he thought of […] that broad, smiling mouth and tiptilted nose, that full figure; that voice like a rich contralto song, with cadences in it that must have been taught by Satan, for there was no one else to teach her tricks on that ’Cadian prairie.
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Explanation and Analysis—Like Young Heifers’ Eyes:
When Alcée arrives at the ball, he makes quite a stir, due to a combination of his reputation as a wealthy farmer and his good looks. In describing the women attendees’ reactions to Alcée’s presence, the narrator uses a simile, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Bobinôt himself was dull-looking and clumsy. Most of the men were. But the young women were very beautiful. The eyes that glanced into Alcée’s as they passed him were big, dark, soft as those of the young heifers standing out in the cool prairie grass.
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Explanation and Analysis—Describing Clarisse:
When introducing readers to Clarisse (through Alcée’s eyes), the narrator uses a series of similes to capture her character, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There were often guests: young men and women who came up from the city, which was but a few hours away, to visit his beautiful kinswoman. She was worth going a good deal farther than that to see. Dainty as a lily; hardy as a sunflower; slim, tall, graceful, like one of the reeds that grew in the marsh.
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