The Time Machine
by H. G. Wells

The Time Machine: Similes 2 key examples

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 7
Explanation and Analysis—Entrapped Beast :

Wells uses the simile of a "beast in a trap" to depict the Time Traveller's sense of entrapment in the distant future. In the novel, the Time Traveller finds himself in a world that is vastly different from his own, and, after losing his time machine, is unable to return to his own era. This sense of isolation and helplessness is conveyed by his description of his experience: 

Before, I had felt as a man might feel who had fallen into a pit: my concern was with the pit and how to get out of it. Now I felt like a beast in a trap, whose enemy would come upon him soon.

Explanation and Analysis—Cattle :

Several times, the Time Traveller refers to the Eloi metaphorically as cattle. This comparison serves to highlight the Eloi's apathetic and passive nature; the Time Traveller's comparison suggests that the Eloi have become docile and easily manipulated by their environment. This comparison draws attention to the dangers of complacency and the loss of individuality and freedom that can result from societal regression. In Chapter 10, the Time Traveller uses a simile to express this idea:

Very pleasant was their day, as pleasant as the day of the cattle in the field. Like the cattle, they knew of no enemies and provided against no needs. And their end was the same.

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Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Cattle :

Several times, the Time Traveller refers to the Eloi metaphorically as cattle. This comparison serves to highlight the Eloi's apathetic and passive nature; the Time Traveller's comparison suggests that the Eloi have become docile and easily manipulated by their environment. This comparison draws attention to the dangers of complacency and the loss of individuality and freedom that can result from societal regression. In Chapter 10, the Time Traveller uses a simile to express this idea:

Very pleasant was their day, as pleasant as the day of the cattle in the field. Like the cattle, they knew of no enemies and provided against no needs. And their end was the same.

Unlock with LitCharts A+