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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
Key Examples in The Man Who Would Be King
Similes
Explanation and Analysis—Quiet as Bees:
When Carnehan is telling the narrator about how he and Dravot threatened the people of Kafiristan with violence in order to control them, he uses a simile to capture their reaction, as seen in the following passage:
“Then we asks the names of things in their lingo — bread and water and fire and idols and such, and Dravot leads the priest of each village up to the idol, and says he must sit there and judge the people, and if anything goes wrong he is to be shot.
“Next week they was all turning up the land in the valley as quiet as bees and much prettier, and the priests heard all the complaints and told Dravot in dumb show what it was about. ‘That’s just the beginning,’ says Dravot. ‘They think we’re Gods.’”
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Big Red Devil:
When Carnehan is telling the narrator about his argument with Dravot over whether or not to find wives in Kafiristan, he uses a simile to compare Dravot to a devil, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+‘For the last time o’ asking, Dan, do not,’ I says. ‘It’ll only bring us harm. The Bible says that Kings ain’t to waste their strength on women, ’specially when they’ve got a new raw Kingdom to work over.’
‘For the last time of answering I will,’ said Dravot, and he went away through the pine-trees looking like a big red devil, the sun being on his crown and beard and all.
Related Themes:
