
Comparison in the Time of Virus
Writers use comparisons to help readers revisit or understand unique life experiences. Here are eleven comparative devices we know best, geared to our troubled times: Metaphor: COVID genomes are lethal ping-pong balls of contagion Simile (with personification): The virus crept into a cluster of friends, grinning like a long-lost buddy Onomatopoeia: ‘uhhhhhh!’ (gasping for air) Foreshadowing: Cassie held her cellphone close to her mouth, laughing while her college buddies grab