Why do writers use similes?

Question

to create mental pictures that help readers see things in new ways

to create sound effects that amuse readers

to create a comparison between an object or animal and a human being

Answer 1

Writers use similes primarily **to create mental pictures that help readers see things in new ways**. Similes compare two different things using the words "like" or "as," which can add vividness, evoke emotions, and enrich the reader's understanding of the described objects, actions, or experiences. By creating such comparisons, similes can make descriptions more powerful and relatable, enabling readers to visualize and feel the essence of the narrative more deeply.