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Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Metaphors
Explanation and Analysis—Ventriloquist Dummy:
When Squeaky and Raymond run into Gretchen (Squeaky’s bully and top running competitor) and Gretchen’s two friends (Mary Louise and Rosie) on the street, the trio of girls tries to intimidate Squeaky. In her narration of the scene, Squeaky uses a metaphor to capture the relationship between Gretchen and the two other girls, as seen in the following passage:
“I don’t think you’re going to win this time,” says Rosie, trying to signify with her hands on her hips all salty, completely forgetting that I have whupped her behind many times for less salt than that.
“I always win cause I’m the best,” I say straight at Gretchen who is, as far as I’m concerned, the only one talking in this ventriloquist-dummy routine.
Here, Squeaky implies, using metaphorical language, that Gretchen is a ventriloquist putting words into Rosie’s mouth in a “ventriloquist-dummy routine.” Rosie may be the one telling Squeaky that she’s going to lose the May Day race to Gretchen, but Squeaky knows that Rosie is likely just repeating what Gretchen—as leader of their little group—has been saying about the race.
This moment is one of many in which Squeaky speaks critically of Gretchen in the time leading up to the race. This building of tension between the two girls leads to the climactic scene in which, after almost tying the race, they smile at each other in respect, overcoming the societal pressure for girls to judge and compete with each other.
Related Themes:
