1. “I started back toward the locker room, following the trail of the thread, gathering it up as a I walked, like Theseus in the labyrinth” (122).
Explanation- In this simile, Conford compares Nikki retracing her steps to pick up the thread to Theseus in the labyrinth from the famous Greek myth Theseus and the Minotaur. The comparison is intended to help readers feel like they’re in the same room as Nikki and see her performing this action. By mentioning Theseus in the labyrinth, readers can imagine that Nikki is walking left and right as she gathers the thread from her sweater.
2. “My head clanged like a gong and my knees buckled as I walked” (124).
Explanation- In this simile, Conford compares Nikki’s headache to the clang of a gong. The purpose of this simile is to help readers identify with the caliber of the pain Nikki’s feeling. A loud and powerful instrument, the clang of a gong is thunderous. By using this comparison, readers can imagine the feeling of the vibration of the gong in their heads.
3. “Snarling like a dog, I crumpled my horoscope into a ball and hurled it across the room” (129).
Explanation- In this simile, Conford compares Nikki’s snarl to that of a dog. This comparison was written to help readers imagine the amount and intensity of the anger Nikki’s feeling. The snarl of a dog is full of fury and is unpleasant. This simile lets readers know that Nikki’s rage is just as aggressive as a dog’s ferocious snarl.
