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Similes
Key Examples in Middlesex
Book 1: An Immodest Proposal
Explanation and Analysis—Tasteful Blend:
In the following passage from Chapter 3, Cal/lie outlines Smyrna's cosmopolitan roots, ironically referring to the Greek city as a hub for international, intercultural exchange:
[...] Smyrna, the most cosmopolitan city in the Near East. Among its reputed founders were, first, the Amazons (which goes nicely with my theme), and second, Tantalus himself. Homer was born there, and Aristotle Onassis. In Smyrna, East and West, opera and politakia, violin and zourna, piano and daouli blended as tastefully as did the rose petals and honey in the local pastries.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Smyrna Tobacco:
Over the duration of Chapter 3, the Greek and allied armies slowly withdraw from Smyrna, leaving the refugee-packed city defenseless to the oncoming Turkish army. The British soldiers display shockingly little regard for their fellow Europeans—now refugees—even degrading them in the following example of situational irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“There’s nothing we can do about it, Phillips. I’ve spent years in the Near East. The one lesson I’ve learned is that there is nothing you can do with these people. [...] They’ve burned down the whole country and now they swarm in here crying for help. Nice cigar, what?”
“Awfully good, sir.”
“Smyrna tobacco. Finest in the world. Brings a tear to my eyes, Phillips, the thought of all that tobacco lying in those warehouses out there.”
“Perhaps we could send a detail to save the tobacco, sir.”
Related Themes:
