A fish out of water
The simile "he was left doubled over and gasping for breath like a fish out of water" describes Monk's condition after being hit hard in the stomach. Monk being compared to a fish out of water is an attempt to underline how quickly he lost his breath. It's also used to conjure up the idea of a fish urgently struggling to breathe in an unsuitable environment, which perfectly describes Monk's current condition. The simile also emphasizes the physical and emotional shock of the attack as well as Monk's desperate need to breathe and his sense of being overwhelmed by the circumstance.
A needle of dread
The metaphor of "a needle of dread piercing his heart" is used to depict Garrett's great terror and anxiety when he watches the wolf return to the fire. The metaphor is especially helpful in emphasizing Garrett's anxiety's suddenness just as a needle pierces the skin in a single instant. It's also a metaphor for how intense his dread is: a needle is both sharp and little but it can inflict a deep and severe wound. Garrett's experience is brought to life through the metaphor, helping the reader to connect with his feelings and obtain a greater understanding of the scenario.
An electric current
This simile is used to express Noble's sense of power after successfully changing from a human to a werewolf. The author uses the simile to show how powerful Noble feels, almost like a force of electricity. It is a strong and deep emotion that pours through him, giving him a sense of invincibility and aggression. This analogy conveys the passion and strength that Noble feels in his newfound form while also emphasizing the danger of his power and the prudence that should be used with it.
The bass drum of the school’s marching band
The simile compares Michael's beating heart to the bass drum of the school's marching band. This analogy is used to demonstrate how intense and overwhelming Michael's emotions are at the time. He is filled with fear, guilt, and worry, and his heart is pounding so loudly that he can nearly hear the marching band's thunderous bass drum in his chest. It is an apt simile to describe his intense emotions as he attempts to devise a plan to save his friend Tora.
The house was silent
The metaphor "The house was silent" depicts the absence of activity and the presence of people in the house. The metaphor creates a sense of emptiness in the house, portraying the brothers' sense of anticipation and terror as they prepare to sneak out. It also depicts their sentiments of loneliness and abandonment as they prepare to embark on a journey without the supervision of someone they care about and trust. The absence of humans in the house allows the brothers to feel comfortable and safe enough to shift as implied by the metaphor. This metaphor is a good technique to depict the brothers' emotions and the situation in the house before their departure.
A death sentence
The creature's massive form is compared to a death sentence in this simile, implying that Bruno's life was in jeopardy. The creature's body is compared to a death sentence suggesting a sense of finality, indicating that Bruno's situation is severe and that he has no choice over his fate. This simile also evokes fear as the creature's body is depicted as a towering presence full of menace and possible harm. Thus, the simile captures Bruno's fear and conveys the sense of impending doom that looms over him.
