Here's a breakdown:
Key features:
* Extended comparison: It goes beyond a simple "like" or "as".
* Multiple points of similarity: It explores several aspects of the comparison, creating a rich and detailed image.
* Vivid and impactful: It aims to create a strong and lasting impression on the reader.
Examples:
* Simple simile: "The child was as quiet as a mouse."
* Extended simile: "Her eyes were like the deep blue ocean, vast and unfathomable, holding secrets and mysteries that could never be fully understood. They sparkled with a playful light, reflecting the sun's rays like a million tiny diamonds, but also held a hidden depth, a melancholy that hinted at the weight of unspoken words."
Functions of an extended simile:
* Clarify and deepen understanding: It helps readers visualize and understand the subject more clearly.
* Create imagery and atmosphere: It sets a tone or mood by evoking sensory details.
* Emphasize a point: It can highlight the importance of a specific aspect of the comparison.
Remember: Extended similes can be short or long, depending on the purpose and context. They can be used in poetry, prose, and even everyday speech.