What Does Blind Eyes Could Blaze Like Meteors Really Mean?

What is the significance of the simile “Blind eyes could blaze like meteors”? This simile employs alliteration, emphasizing how individuals who are visually impaired can radiate energy and vivacity through their eyes, much like meteors igniting in the night sky. It underscores the remarkable capacity of blind individuals to exude vitality through their gaze. This concept stands in stark contrast to the observation that some, including younger individuals, may possess sight but lack the vibrant spark of life in their eyes.

In line 14, the author employs a literary device known as a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that draws a comparison between two distinct things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ to highlight a particular quality or attribute. In this case, the author, Thomas, uses a simile to vividly describe a phenomenon by stating, ”Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay…” In this instance, he compares the luminous intensity of blind eyes to the brilliance of meteors, emphasizing the dazzling and radiant nature of these eyes, even in their blindness. This simile not only adds a poetic dimension to the text but also underscores the idea of inner resilience and the potential for extraordinary brightness within the seemingly ordinary.

What distinguishes a meteor from a simile is their fundamental structure for making comparisons. A simile draws a comparison by stating that one thing is similar to or shares qualities with another thing, often using words like “like” or “as” to make the connection explicit. On the other hand, a metaphor creates a comparison by asserting that one thing is, in essence, another thing without the need for explicit comparison words like “like” or “as.” In essence, while similes rely on explicit comparisons, metaphors directly equate one thing to another, bypassing the use of comparative words.