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Setting
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
Explanation and Analysis—Edge of the Universe:
As Nick describes returning home to Minnesota after World War I, he uses a simile to compare the Midwestern United States to a barren wasteland:
Instead of being the warm centre of the world, the Middle West now seemed like the ragged edge of the universe.
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Explanation and Analysis—New Money from the Mint:
Nick uses a simile to compare the books on his bookshelf to money:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I bought a dozen volumes on banking and credit and investment securities, and they stood on my shelf in red and gold like new money from the mint[.]
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Explanation and Analysis—Moving a Checker:
At his first dinner with the Buchanans, Nick uses a simile to compare Tom’s treatment of him to a game of checkers:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Before I could reply that he was my neighbor dinner was announced; wedging his tense arm imperatively under mine, Tom Buchanan compelled me from the room as though he were moving a checker to another square.
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Explanation and Analysis—A Pleasant Street at Dusk:
During Nick’s dinner with the Buchnanans, he uses a simile to compare the expression on Daisy’s face to children going inside at sunset:
Unlock with LitCharts A+For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon [Daisy’s] glowing face; her voice compelled me forward breathlessly as I listened—then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk.
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Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Moths Among Whisperings:
Nick’s description of the summer parties at Gatsby’s mansion uses a simile to compare the party guests to moths:
Unlock with LitCharts A+In [Gatsby’s] blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.
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Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Magazines:
As Gatsby tells Nick about his experience fighting in World War I, Nick uses a simile to liken his interest in Gatsby’s story to skimming through magazines:
Unlock with LitCharts A+My incredulity was submerged in fascination now; it was like skimming hastily through a dozen magazines.
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Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Blossoming Flower:
As Nick recounts Gatsby’s memory of kissing Daisy for the first time, he uses a simile to compare Daisy to a flower:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Then [Gatsby] kissed [Daisy]. At his lips’ touch she blossomed for him like a flower and the incarnation was complete.
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