Here are a couple of examples where the language evokes a simile-like comparison:
* "They stood like sentinels guarding the sanctity of the home." This sentence compares the marigolds to sentinels, though it doesn't use the words "like" or "as."
* "The rusty swing set swayed like a pendulum in the twilight." This sentence does use the word "like" to compare the swing set to a pendulum.
However, Collier relies heavily on metaphors and imagery to create vivid descriptions and emotional impact. Here are some examples:
* "The marigolds were a blaze of color, a riot of yellow and orange." This metaphorical description paints a picture of the vibrant marigolds.
* "Her laughter was like a bird's song, high and clear." This sentence uses a simile to describe the girl's laughter, but it's more subtle and evocative than a direct comparison.
* "The world was a gray canvas, painted with shades of despair." This metaphorical description paints a picture of the bleakness of the world as seen by Lizabeth.
The most powerful comparisons in "Marigolds" are often implicit and rely on the reader to make the connections. Collier uses imagery, symbolism, and evocative language to create a tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with the reader.