Puzzle (metaphor)
Reynie is presented with a metaphor that reveals the true nature of the test he is taking. He discovers that instead of being a test of knowledge, the questions are actually part of a puzzle. This metaphor compares the process of solving the puzzle to looking at a painting in which all the answers are hidden: "Number one's answer was found in number twenty-one (and vice versa), number two's answer was found in number twenty-two, and so on, all the way up to number forty, which cleared up the mystery." By comparing his task to finding pieces of an image hidden throughout a painting, Reynie illustrates the difficulty of finding each piece and putting them all together to solve it. The comparison also indicates that there must be some grand design behind it all—just as paintings have meaning and purpose beyond their individual parts.
Busy as Ants (simile)
The common simile used in the narrative is "as busy as ants." This describes the stevedores and sailors at Stonetown Harbor who are bustling about their business. The narrator compares them to ants because they are very active, working hard on their tasks with efficiency and speed. The comparison highlights how industrious the people at the harbor are, and how crowded it must be with so many people working all at once. Moreover, it denotes that there is an element of organized chaos occurring as everyone works together towards a common goal. In terms of the narrative, this simile helps to set up a picture of what life is like at Stonetown Harbor and serves as an effective contrast to the quietness found on Nomansan Island later in the passage.
Zodiac Signs (metaphor)
Reynie explains that if someone has a birthday in late April, they are a Taurus, which is the sign of the bull. He also mentions Pisces, which is the sign of the fish, and Capricorn, which is the sign of the goat. This comparison between humans and animals reinforces how important astrology was in ancient cultures. It denotes that people believed heavenly bodies and constellations could determine their fate. The description exudes a sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding astrology and its influence on human behavior. Furthermore, this metaphor demonstrates that when looking in the mirror (the looking glass), one can see not only themselves but also their destiny written in stars.
Laughter is the Best Medicine (metaphor)
The saying affirms that laughter can help heal emotional and physical wounds. In this context, it is being used as a riddle to provide advice to the children. Despite their desperate situation, Reynie recommends that they will find an answer if they take some time off and get some rest. Constance, frustrated and scared, does not think rest will help them solve their problem but Reynie points out that laughter might be a better remedy for her than constantly mocking the others' efforts. By using this phrase, Reynie is confirming that laughter has healing properties that could be beneficial in times of distress. Furthermore, he illustrates that finding the solution to their problem requires mental clarity and peace of mind which cannot be achieved by staying frustrated with one another.
Dead Fish (simile)
The simile in the story occurs when the pencil woman's gaze makes the girl's face "pasty pale, like the underbelly of a dead fish". This is comparing her face to a dead fish, specifically noting that it is pale and colorless like the underside of one. The context here is that Reynie Muldoon and his friends are taking a test that has been set up by an imposing figure known as the pencil woman. She has just sternly warned them against talking during the test and so when another student groans in distress she immediately calls out to her. The girl protests but quickly goes pale with fear when faced with the intimidating figure, prompting this simile.
