George Eliot presents a wide range of attitudes and values in the characters throughout her story, "Adam Bede." Because there are varied characterizations, Eliot uses figurative language to identify and describe each one. In the case of Dinah, this technique is used primarily to illustrate Dinah's serene and peaceful demeanor, and to anchor her with the reader as an important character.
             From the first introduction with Dinah, the fact that she is a God loving and righteous woman is stressed. However, it is stressed in such a way that does not seem redundant, and thus, holds the reader's interest. Eliot keeps this interest by including figurative writing that often presents a view of Dinah or her personality that the reader visualizes. By making this visual connection, Eliot has not only revealed more of Dinah's personality, but also has made the reader more comfortable with her characterization.
             This effect is illustrated by a passage that describes Dinah during her sermon to the people of Hayslope. The similes in this passage show Dinah's compassion and the strength in her faith. By writing, "Her pale face became paler; the circles under her eyes deepened, as they did when tears half-gather without falling;"(38) Eliot emphasizes Dinah's compassion. Eliot shows that even in the midst of this intense sermon, Dinah is still concerned and saddened by the thought that she might not be able to help some of her listeners. Eliot's emphasis on Dinah's exhibit of compassion extends farther into the passage when she writes, "and the mild loving eyes took an expression of appalled pity."(38) This description of her eyes holds positive connotations to the reader, and it reinforces the pity that Dinah feels for all those she cannot save. This compassionate aspect of Dinah's personality allows the reader to bond with her, because they feel secure that she is in...