Association Quote by Norton Juster
“You see, it's really quite simple. A simile is just a mode of comparison employing 'as' and 'like' to reveal the hidden character or essence of whatever we want to describe, and through the use of fancy, association, contrast, extension, or imagination, to enlarge our understanding or perception of human experience and observation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, 1961
A simile uses “as” or “like” to compare and highlight hidden qualities, expanding perception through creative association.
In simple terms: Similes compare using “as/like” to reveal hidden traits.
Key Takeaway
Use vivid comparisons to deepen understanding.
Themes
language
creativity
perception
Mood
playful
educational
Type
literary
didactic
When to use this quote
- teaching
- writing
- public speaking
- marketing
- storytelling
Key Concepts
figurative language
analogy
imagination
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify a simile for clarity?
- When does a simile become a distraction?
A Different Perspective
Overly complex similes can confuse rather than clarify.
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