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Definition of Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as," but can also... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often... read full definition
Lines 1-340
Explanation and Analysis—Seabirds Winging West:
The Chorus uses a simile to describe the constant loss of life that plagues Thebes:
and life on life goes down
you can watch them go
like seabirds winging west, outracing the day’s fire
down the horizon, irresistibly
streaking on to the shores of Evening
Death
so many deaths, numberless deaths on deaths, no end—
Thebes is dying[.]
Related Themes:
Lines 1311-1680
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Prison:
Oedipus uses a simile when justifying his self-blinding and the further lengths he would go to block out the world, if he could:
Unlock with LitCharts A+No, if I could just block off my ears,
the springs of hearing, I would stop at nothing—
I’d wall up my loathsome body like a prison,
blind to the sound of life, not just the sight.
Oblivion—what a blessing ...
for the mind to dwell a world away from pain.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Black Hail of Blood:
When a messenger recounts Oedipus's self-blinding to the crowd outside the palace, he uses imagery and simile to paint the scene:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His voice like a dirge, rising, over and over
raising the pins, raking them down his eyes.
And at each stroke blood spurts from the roots,
splashing his beard, a swirl of it, nerves and clots—
black hail of blood pulsing, gushing down.
Related Themes:
