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Similes
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Wife or Dog:
In Chapter 9, the narrator sits outside on the lawn with Maxim and Beatrice while the siblings discuss their grandmother. The narrator uses a simile to capture the situational irony of Maxim's attitude toward her:
I listened to them both, leaning against Maxim’s arm, rubbing my chin on his sleeve. He stroked my hand absently, not thinking, talking to Beatrice.
“That’s what I do to Jasper,” I thought. “I’m being like Jasper now, leaning against him. He pats me now and again, when he remembers, and I’m pleased, I get closer to him for a moment. He likes me in the way I like Jasper.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 25
Explanation and Analysis—Guilty Lovers:
In Chapter 25, Maxim and the narrator finally get some time to themselves after the inquest. There is situational irony in their behavior toward one another, which the narrator drives home with a simile:
Unlock with LitCharts A+In a few minutes the telephone began ringing again. I did not do anything. I let it ring. I went and sat down at Maxim’s feet. It went on ringing. I did not move. Presently it stopped, as though cut suddenly in exasperation. The clock on the mantelpiece struck ten o’clock. Maxim put his arms round me and lifted me against him. We began to kiss one another, feverishly, desperately, like guilty lovers who have not kissed before.
Related Themes:
