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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
Chapter 1: Dedé, 1994 and circa 1943
Explanation and Analysis—As If Shooting Them:
In Chapter 1, Alvarez uses a simile while Dedé recalls a memory at the interviewer's request:
Bang-bang-bang, their father likes to joke, aiming a finger pistol at each one, as if he were shooting them, not boasting about having sired them. Three girls, each born within a year of the other! And then, nine years later, María Teresa, his final desperate attempt at a boy misfiring.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Sister Who Survived:
In Chapter 1, Dedé explains through simile how she prepares for interviews with those interested in knowing more about her family:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Before she knows it, she is setting up her life as if it were an exhibit labeled neatly for those who can read: THE SISTER WHO SURVIVED.
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Chapter 2: Minerva, 1938, 1941, 1944
Explanation and Analysis—China-Crack of Doubt:
In Chapter 2, Sinita explains to Minerva why she doesn't like Trujillo, and Alvarez uses both simile and metaphor when detailing Minerva's response:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Trujillo was doing bad things?" It was as if I had just heard Jesus had slapped a baby or Our Blessed Mother had not conceived Him the immaculate conception way. “That can’t be true,” I said, but in my heart, I felt a china-crack of doubt.
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Chapter 5: Dedé, 1994 and 1948
Explanation and Analysis—Life Insurance:
In Chapter 5, Dedé ironically refers to attending a party event as life insurance decades before selling life insurance became her chosen profession:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Dedé prodded her with an elbow and whispered, “Think of it as life insurance.” The irony of it—she had been practicing for her future profession!
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Chapter 8: Patria, 1959
Explanation and Analysis—Like Herod in Judea:
In Chapter 8, Patria describes why seminary is the safest place for her son with a simile and allusion to the Gospel of Matthew:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Johnny Abbes and his SIM were dragging young men off the streets, and farms, and from offices, like Herod the boy babies in all of Judea.
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