Question

Find two examples of similes in the story (homecoming) by Rabindarnath Tagore and explain them in your own words ???

Answer 1

Here a few examples of the similes in the story:

Example of Simile

But he overlooked the fact, like those who attempt earthly fame in other matters, that there was peril in it.  

Meaning: Makhan ignored the warning issued by his brother, thinking there was no danger in it.  

Example of Simile

And, sure enough, Makhan rose from Mother Earth blind as Fate and screaming like the Furies.

Meaning: Makhan was extremely angry at Phatik.

Example of Simile

But Makhan was as good as gold, as quiet as a lamb, and very fond of reading,

Meaning:

Makhan was very decent and well-behaved.  

Answer 2

The similes in Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘The Homecoming’ are:

1. as quiet as a lamb
2. like a stray dog that has lost his master

A simile is a literary device that compares two different things. The words ‘as’ or ‘like’ are used in similes. Similes are often used to describe the personality of the characters. Here, the author has used similes to show the difference between the brothers Makhan and Phatik.  The first simile refers to Makhan and the second one to Phatik.

Makhan is compared to a lamb. Traditionally, lambs are considered gentle creatures that are not violent, aggressive or mischievous. They are trouble-free and are looked at with love. One wants to hold a lamb, pet it and play with it. So, Makhan is a young boy who deserves love.

On the other hand, Phatik is compared to a stray dog who once had a master, but not anymore. A stray dog has no sense of belonging, is lost and has no purpose in life. Strays can be aggressive and cause trouble. Unlike pets, no one cares for the stray dog, suggesting that Phatik was not loved by anyone.