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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 Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Chapter 3: The Man Who Grew Vegetable Marrows
Explanation and Analysis—Red Herring:
In Chapter 3, Sheppard tries to distract Caroline from her gossip about Ackroyd, Flora, and Ralph by casually mentioning that he has spoken to the new neighbor, "Mr. Porrot." Sheppard uses a simile and an idiom popular in mystery novels to describe Caroline's reaction:
Caroline visibly wavered for a second or two, much as if a roulette ball might coyly hover between two numbers. Then she declined the tempting red herring.
Related Themes:
Chapter 20: Miss Russell
Explanation and Analysis—Kaleidoscope:
In Chapter 20, Sheppard uses a simile to describe Poirot's approach to the investigation. The simile relies on a visual image:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“You know,” I said, throwing down the pincers I was holding, “it’s extraordinarily intriguing, the whole thing. Every new development that arises is like the shake you give to a kaleidoscope—the thing changes entirely in aspect.
Related Themes:
Chapter 23: Poirot’s Little Reunion
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Dog:
In Chapter 23, Sheppard uses a simile comparing Caroline to a dog. This simile is part of a broader motif of animal comparisons Sheppard uses to describe Caroline:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We went off, leaving Caroline rather like a dog who has been refused a walk, standing on the front door step gazing after us.
Related Themes:
