Doctor Zhivago Metaphors and Similes

Doctor Zhivago Metaphors and Similes

Window (Metaphor)

Metaphoric representation of objects always creates intrigue and adds to the story; in Lara’s room “the window looking out on the street was open”. Thus simple things achieve a special meaning, and help the reader to build a more vivid image of a situation.

Snow to help (Metaphor)

The night when the Zhivagos left Moscow was snowy, “the snow came down like a white, slowly descending stage curtain as wide as a street, its fringe swinging around the legs of the passers-by so that they lost the sense of moving forward”. Their escape was not announced, it was dangerous at that time to speak frankly, so the snow was like a helpful cover for them.

Power of words (Simile)

Yura’s uncle was to become a famous writer in future, and was developing his writing skills right now, when Yura was a child yet and spent a lot of time with his uncle. The author gives a description of Nikolai Nikolaevich’s pursues in the field of literature and says he is still in search of an idea that would be “like a flash of lighting or a roll of thunder capable of speaking even to a child or an illiterate”. The comparison supposes that correct words are yet to be cherished.

Garden’s residents (Simile)

the trees, laden with hoarfrost, their branches like smoky streaks of candle wax, looked in as if they wished to rest their burden on the floor of the study.” The comparison of branches with candles creates a picture of piece and comfort.

Very peopled (Simile)

When the first strikes and confusions on the streets began in Moscow, a lot of people suffered, as no wood, food, and other necessary things were supplied. The house where Zhivagos lived got more and more people, and finally it became so overwhelmed that “there were more tenants than sparrows in the street”. Cold and hunger brought all those people together.

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