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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
Key Examples in Bernice Bobs Her Hair
Part 5
Explanation and Analysis—Madonna-Like:
In this passage, as Bernice sits frozen with horror in the barber’s chair, the author uses a simile and allusion to depict the dramatic change in her appearance after her questionable haircut:
Her face's chief charm had been a Madonna-like simplicity. Now that was gone and she was—well, frightfully mediocre—not stagy; only ridiculous [...]
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Part 6
Explanation and Analysis—Restive Snakes:
In this passage—which takes place as Bernice and Marjorie go to bed after the disastrous haircut—the author uses similes to make Marjorie’s long blonde hair seem especially luxuriant:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Then Bernice winced as Marjorie tossed her own hair over her shoulders and began to twist it slowly into two long blond braids until in her cream-colored negligée she looked like a delicate painting of some Saxon princess. Fascinated, Bernice watched the braids grow. Heavy and luxurious they were moving under the supple fingers like restive snakes [...]
Related Themes:
