Bradbury uses figurative language, especially metaphor, to describe the oppressive conditions under which the humans on Venus live. The “drum and gush” of water and the “concussion of storms” are compared to tidal waves, which gives a sense of the violence of these storms. However, Bradbury offsets these images with metaphors of another kind. The rains, while endless and violent, are also “sweet crystal” and “clear bead necklaces.” This conveys a sense of wonder at the sheer power and beauty of nature.

Figurative language also becomes a useful tool for the characters themselves. Because they have either never seen or barely remember the sun, they must rely on metaphor and comparisons to describe it. They mostly fall short by comparing the sun to a lemon, or a yellow crayon, or a penny. These descriptions signal just how unprepared the children are to see the real sun and underscore the profound effect the sun has on them when they finally experience it for themselves. One of the most powerful uses of figurative language is in the short poem Margot writes: “I think the sun is a flower, that blooms for just one hour.” It is poignant in its simplicity and understatement. The other children are surprised and moved by it, causing them to doubt that Margot wrote the poem herself. Nonetheless, this description’s simplicity, and the way in which it evokes the fleeting nature of joy, proves to be apt when the children have their hour of sunshine.