The simile of a tall tale
Dante is determined to take readers down memory lane, but he compares his actions to the tall tale to prepare readers to walk along with as he puts his point across. Dante says, "Since dwelling on the passions and actions of one so young is like telling a tall tale, I will leave that behind; and passing over many things that could be copied from the same source, I come to words written in my memory under larger paragraphs.”
The simile of sorrow
Dante is frustrated that he cannot express his feelings freely to his love, Beatrice. Dante feels strong affection for her, but he does not know how to express himself. However, Dante comforts himself that soon people will hear him. Dante says, “O is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow," and ask them to be patient enough to hear me out.”
The simile of confusion
Dante knows that Beatrice does not recognize his feelings unless he confesses his love. However, he is confused and lost because he fears facing the woman he loves. Dante says, “And each of these thoughts battled within me so much, they made me like someone who doesn’t know which way to take for his journey—who wants to go but doesn’t know where he is headed.”
