Tuesday, December 2, 2014

In the book Fahrenheit 451, what are two similes Montag uses to describe Clarisse? Do the similes serve any purpose other than to characterize...

A simile compares two things using a connecting word (conjunction, verb). Typically, similes are said to use "like" or "as" as the connecting words. For example, "she was as fast as lightning" uses "as" to compare her speed to lightning. 


However, similes can use other connecting words such as resemble, appears, so, etc. 


In the first few pages, the narrator uses "as" and "if" to describe Clarisse's eyes. Montag sees himself in Clarisse's eyes "as...

A simile compares two things using a connecting word (conjunction, verb). Typically, similes are said to use "like" or "as" as the connecting words. For example, "she was as fast as lightning" uses "as" to compare her speed to lightning. 


However, similes can use other connecting words such as resemble, appears, so, etc. 


In the first few pages, the narrator uses "as" and "if" to describe Clarisse's eyes. Montag sees himself in Clarisse's eyes "as if her two eyes were miraculous bits of violet amber that might capture him and hold him intact." The significance of this quote is that this is a new experience for Montag. He is used to people with dull, thoughtless stares. But Clarisse is thoughtful and Montag understands that she is willing to engage in a considerate conversation with him. 


Shortly after this conversation, Montag has similar thoughts about Clarisse. "How like a mirror, too, her face." Again, he is not used to people actually listening and looking with thoughtfulness. Clarisse is the first person (since his original meeting with Faber) to actually listen with empathy and understanding. He certainly does not get this from Mildred. 


Clarisse is also "like the eager watcher of a marionette show." This shows her curiosity about life and her attention to detail. She has no intention of going through life as a thoughtless automaton. She wants to look, listen, and question things. 

No comments:

Post a Comment