Simile in The Bet

Throughout the letter, the lawyer eviscerates all of the things and ideas people hold true. He says that all humans will perish from the earth as if they were only rodents. After all these years in solitary confinement, the lawyer clearly does not value human life. To him, all material possessions and earthly desires are ultimately futile.

The word “mirage” refers to the effect of seeing a pool of water in the sea or desert that is actually caused by the reflection of light rays. The lawyer claims that everything seemingly worthwhile, is in effect “like a mirage.” The simile suggests that the lawyer believes all human desires are transient and fraudulent.

The banker’s carelessness with his money has transformed him from a “proud, fearless, self-confident millionaire” into a “banker of middling rank.” Now, he is more prudent with his money and does not throw it away recklessly, like he did fifteen years ago when he made the bet with the lawyer. The simile of being envious “like a beggar” demonstrates his fear of losing all his money. He becomes so enraged that he states that he will do anything—even commit murder—to prevent his descent into bankruptcy and destitution.