The Nose

The Nose Metaphors and Similes

Ivan Yakovlevich as a Cat (Simile)

After the occurrence with the nose, the barber is scared to meet Major Kovalev again. When he enters his house in Part III, he is described as appearing “like a cat which had just been whipped for stealing cream."

Getting a Shave (Simile)

In Part III, Ivan Yakovlevitch and Major Kovalev reunite for a shave. The barber proceeds to ply "brush upon chin and a portion of a cheek until they looked like the blanc mange served on tradesmen’s namedays."

Face as a Pancake (Metaphor)

Major Kovalev's face is described as possessing the "uniformity of a pancake" after his nose goes missing.

Cheek Flushed like an Early Rose (Simile)

A pretty women rounds the corner and Major Kovalev's attention is immediately piqued. The narrator describes her beauty with vivid imagery.