Mark Davies

101 Dyssimiles Mark Davies

101 DYSSIMILES is an assortment of similes written to entertain the reader with inappropriate comparisons, extraneous information, unrelated comments, irrelevant details, and jarring contrasts. In short, the dyssimiles collected here are invariably dysfunctional in various ways, and as such may instill in creative writers and readers a better sense and appreciation of what constitutes an effective simile.

The book is intended to amuse both writers and readers, and to suggest to serious students of writing-style what to avoid when creating a comparison in the form of a well-conceived and well-written simile. Many of the dyssimiles presented here may also be considered a form of farce and satire in one sentence, appealing to writers and readers who appreciate these forms of humor.

Teachers of English writing and literature may exploit the amusing nature of these dyssimiles to arouse the interest of their students as they explore the nature and uses of appropriate and effective simile. There are references to scatological and sexual matters, but most of the material is appropriate at the high school level, all of it at the university level. There are no trigger warnings, and teachers will want to preview the material.

Dyssimiles tend to be appreciated by those who are entertained by a bad pun.