A lonely seabird
Mama Buki's cry is compared to a "lonely seabird" in this simile, evoking a sense of loneliness and misery. It implies that her sobs are piercing and sorrowful, like the screams of a seabird echoing across the sky. The image of a seabird also suggests a sensation of being lost or detached, enhancing the sense of loss and mourning. This simile is useful in communicating the characters' strong feelings of sadness and despair at this time.
A pierced boil
The simile compares the protagonists' anguish to a pierced boil. This simile is used to depict the characters' intense and quick surge of emotions as they process the sudden death of a loved one. It's a terrific shot that captures the moment's unexpectedness and intensity. It also conveys the impression that the characters' emotions are nearly too strong to contain, like a boil that has been perforated and its contents discharged. The analogy effectively conveys the characters' feelings as well as the severity of the situation.
Eyes behind the plate glass
This metaphor compares the Eyes behind the Plate Glass to police monitoring. The Eyes signify a powerful force that is observing and assessing the children and their uncle's behavior. This means that the authorities are distrustful of those who are protesting and demonstrating and that they will take any necessary precautions to avoid conflict. The metaphor implies that the people protesting for Papa's release are being watched and monitored by the government and that any further action will be met with opposition. It also implies that the people demonstrating for Papa's release lack the authority to influence the situation and that the authorities are far more strong. This metaphor captures the tension and fears that the people are feeling in the face of police surveillance and power.
A dirty spoon sinking into honey
The simile "her lie was like a dirty spoon sinking into honey" is used to compare Sade's deception to something both terrible and appealing. The image of a dirty spoon sliding into honey suggests that while the deception may have a potentially sweet result, such as avoiding responsibilities, it is ultimately unpleasant and undesirable. This is reinforced by Sade's awareness of the potential consequences of her lie, as well as her awareness that it is wrong. Thus, the parallel serves to demonstrate that, while lies can seem attractive, they are ultimately wrong and can have terrible repercussions.
A genie from a bottle
The simile in this text compares Papa's statements to a genie from a bottle. This analogy is used to demonstrate the sense of freedom, mystery, and power that Papa's words had despite being imprisoned. By equating Papa's comments to a genie, the author implies that Papa's words were able to transcend the physical limitations of his incarceration and reach Sade and Femi in a powerful and liberating way. This connection further emphasizes the significance of the message Papa was imparting through his remarks, as genies are frequently connected with granting wishes. In this scenario, Papa's comments were a source of comfort and assurance, with Papa telling them that he was safe and that they had done nothing wrong.
A china doll
This simile compares the woman guard's face to a china doll. This says that the guard had a delicate, immovable expression on her face. This could be seen as her being aloof and chilly, most likely due to the difficult political context in which she works. This comparison of her face to a porcelain doll implies that she is not feeling any of the emotions in the room, but is instead a symbol of the tyrannical regime that rules the country. It shows her apathy to what is going on around her and her involvement in keeping the people from rising against the government.
