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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
Book 1, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Feudalism:
An anachronistic kind of futuristic medieval feudalism exists in Dune, emerging as a motif throughout the novel. While the novel is set in humanity's far future—to the point that some humans have even evolved new mental abilities—its structures of governance and human relation are distinctly feudal in nature.
Related Themes:
Book 1, Part 4
Explanation and Analysis—Blister:
In the following example of simile from Book 1, Part 4, Gurney Halleck contemplates the passage of time:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Halleck turned away to hide his emotions. Something burned in his eyes. There was pain in him—like a blister, all that was left of some lost yesterday that Time had pruned off him. How soon this child must assume his manhood, Halleck thought. How soon he must read that form within his mind, that contract of brutal caution, to enter the necessary fact on the necessary line: “Please list your next of kin. ”
Book 1, Part 14
Explanation and Analysis—Caged Animal:
In the following excerpt from Book 1, Part 14, Paul contemplates his father's demeanor, concerned about what will happen to the older man in their coming weeks on Arrakis. Paul utilizes simile to describe his father's behavior:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Best you remain here the rest of the night, Son,” the Duke said. “It’ll be dawn soon, anyway. I’ll inform your mother.”
[...]
The Duke folded his hands behind him, began pacing up and down the length of the table.
Like a caged animal, Paul thought.
Related Themes:
Book 1, Part 20
Explanation and Analysis—Steeple:
In the following example of simile from Book 1, Part 20, Duke Leto gradually shakes of his anesthesia and recalls an all-important conversation with Dr. Yueh:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Leto could feel strength returning. And now, the memory of the false tooth stood out in his mind like a steeple in a flat landscape. The nerveshaped capsule within that tooth—the poison gas—he remembered who had put the deadly weapon in his mouth.
Yueh.
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Explanation and Analysis—Roast:
In the following excerpt from Book 1, Part 20, a Sardaukar discusses Leto's capture with Dr. Yueh. The man utilizes simile to craft a consumption-centric image of the duke's capture:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Yueh glanced at Leto. “What about….”
“He’ll be delivered to the Baron all properly trussed like a roast for the oven.”
Related Themes:
