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At the beginning of the novel, Salva and his schoolmates endure the terrifying attack on their village and have to rush out into the bush. Out there Salva notes, "Overhead, a jet plane veered away like a sleek evil bird" (6). It is a stunningly simple and effective simile. The reader can envision the plane swooping above the frightened people, reminding them that danger can from below and above. The plane is like an animal in its power and predatory nature.
Simile: Salva's mouth
When Salva hears someone call his name and he turns around to see his uncle, Park writes, "Salva's mouth closed and opened again, as if he were a fish" (34). It is a comical image; the reader can sense through this effective simile that Salva is utterly agape and flabbergasted at the coincidence of encountering his uncle out here.