The simile of annoying flea
The author compares Alex's defense mechanism when bullied to an annoying flea. The author writes, "Alex didn't ask for mercy, nor did he cry out. Instead, he talked, working his way into Barry's Pilsner's ear like an annoying flea, buzzing and biting with each word."
School pants
Alex is depicted as a victim of violence while growing, especially during his school days. Most of the time, he was bullied and kicked by senior students. The author compares a bullying boy's school pants to a wild slide. The author writes, "From his angle, Alex could see the boy's leg stretching to the ground, his school pants bending like a wild slide to the scuffed shoe below."
The Annoying kid
Everybody is a tormenter, including the annoying young kid who is senior classes ahead of Alex. The annoying kid's bouncing is compared to a shiny silver corner. The author writes, "With Alex, that annoying kid who walked from football game to gossip corner to senior area and back again, bouncing like the shiny silver orb in a pinball machine.”
Awnings
The teacher’s bushy eyebrows are compared to awnings. The author writes, “And Alex, standing restlessly, watched the teacher’s bushy eyebrows stick out like awnings.” This simile is vital because it explains the mood of the classroom.
Deranged Puppet
Dunking is a shared and common experience in Alex’s school. Alex understands the experience better because most of the bullying experience is also executed in the bowl. While in the water, Alex looked like a deranged puppet. The author writes, “Alex’s head bobbed up and down with every breath, making him look like a deranged puppet.”
