A simile is a type of figurative language, one that makes a comparison between two things that seem different at first. Unlike a metaphor, which also compares two things that seem different, a simile uses the words "like" or "as" in the comparison. The purpose of a simile, and all figurative language, is to paint a picture with words for the reader, to make the story come alive a bit more. A simile can make...
A simile is a type of figurative language, one that makes a comparison between two things that seem different at first. Unlike a metaphor, which also compares two things that seem different, a simile uses the words "like" or "as" in the comparison. The purpose of a simile, and all figurative language, is to paint a picture with words for the reader, to make the story come alive a bit more. A simile can make something new or foreign to readers seem more familiar, but it can also make something too familiar or cliché seem fresh and new with a surprising comparison.
One chilling simile that Suzanne Collins uses in Catching Fire is when President Snow shows up unexpectedly at Katniss's house. She describes her surprise in finding him there by saying,
"It's jarring to see him surrounded by the ordinary objects in the room. Like taking the lid off a pot a finding a fanged viper instead of stew" (pg 21).
This simile compares the evil President Snow to a viper, lurking in something familiar and comfortable, like Katniss's home or a cooking pot, and waiting to strike when least expected.
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