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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
Act 1, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Sanctimonious Pirate:
In conversation with a small group composed of ordinary citizens of Vienna, Lucio alludes to the Ten Commandments in a simile that also compares the First Gentleman and Second Gentleman to pirates:
Thou concludest like the sanctimonious pirate, that
went to sea with the Ten Commandments, but scraped
one out of the table.
Related Themes:
Act 1, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—As Fond Fathers:
The Duke uses a simile that compares the leader of a nation to a father when reflecting upon his own past decisions as the head of Vienna.
Unlock with LitCharts A+Now, as fond fathers,
Having bound up the threat’ning twigs of birch
Only to stick it in their children’s sight
For terror, not to use—in time the rod
More mocked than feared—so our decrees,
Dead to infliction, to themselves are dead,
And liberty plucks justice by the nose,
The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart
Goes all decorum.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—An Angry Ape:
After attempting to convince Angelo to spare her brother from execution, Isabella reports back to Claudio’s friend Lucio. In her speech, she uses a simile that critically compares Angelo to an “angry ape”:
Unlock with LitCharts A+But man, proud man,
Dressed in a little brief authority,
Most ignorant of what he’s most assured,
His glassy essence, like an angry ape
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
As makes the angels weep, who with our spleens
Would all themselves laugh mortal.
Related Themes:
Act 5, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Like Power Divine:
After Duke Vincentio reveals Angelo’s many crimes, the guilt-ridden Angelo uses a simile that compares the Duke’s seemingly impossible knowledge of the truth to “power divine":
Unlock with LitCharts A+O my dread lord,
I should be guiltier than my guiltiness
To think I can be undiscernible,
When I perceive your Grace, like power divine,
Hath looked upon my passes
