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Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Pride of an Owner:
In the first part, Jack Potter explains the train and passing landscape to the bride. Following a portion of direct dialogue, the narrator uses a metaphor to describe Potter's tone.
“You see, it’s a thousand miles from one end of Texas to the other; and this train runs right across it, and never stops but four times.” He had the pride of an owner.
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Explanation and Analysis—Hour of Daylight:
In the story's first part, the town of Yellow Sky becomes a motif linked through metaphor and simile to notions of daylight, discovery, truth, confession, and uncovered secrets. Towards the end of the first part, the narrator describes Potter's reflections on the implications of leaving San Antonio—and its cover of darkness—and accepting the inevitable exposure involved in returning to Yellow Sky.
Unlock with LitCharts A+At San Antonio he was like a man hidden in the dark. A knife to sever any friendly duty, any form, was easy to his hand in that remote city. But the hour of Yellow Sky—the hour of daylight—was approaching.
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Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—Scratchy Wilson:
The still, silent atmosphere that Crane develops in the beginning of the second part is interrupted when Scratchy Wilson emerges as a character in the story's action. The first paragraphs of the third part, which feature his arrival, are rich with figurative language. The many instances of imagery, metaphor, and simile in these paragraphs enhance the explosive effect of Scratchy Wilson's appearance.
Unlock with LitCharts A+The man’s face flamed in a rage begot of whiskey. His eyes, rolling, and yet keen for ambush, hunted the still doorways and windows. He walked with the creeping movement of the midnight cat. As it occurred to him, he roared menacing information.
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Explanation and Analysis—Toy Town:
In the third part, Scratchy Wilson parades around Yellow Sky in search of a confrontation. As he fails to attract any adversaries, aside from a frightened dog that he briefly torments, he grows increasingly frustrated. Crane captures this frustration with a metaphor, which compares Yellow Sky to a toy.
Unlock with LitCharts A+The man was playing with this town. It was a toy for him.
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