This simile gives great insight into Zero's character, presenting him as angry and bizarre, a boy that only Stanley can really get close to or elicit any positive reaction from. The comparison to a jack-o'-lantern has frightening connotations, and further emphasizes the incongruity of his smile. For this reason, the author uses the simile to create a warped image of a wicked grimace. Stanley explains that because Zero is often angry, it is unusual when he does smile. This typically positive action is portrayed in a grotesque way. This simile describes the first time Stanley sees Zero smile. 'Now he had such a huge smile it almost seemed too big for his face, like the smile of a jack-o'-lantern' (58). However, these positive connotations are crucially undercut by the adjective 'empty.' This biting simile succinctly suggests that while Myra is gentle, feminine, and attractive, she is far from being smart. This simile can also suggest her beauty, as flowers embody the beauty of nature, and the speaker later admits that the girl is very beautiful. The comparison to a 'flowerpot' also suggests femininity, emphasizing Myra's girlish qualities.

Myra is naive, unintelligent, and foolish, Madame Zeroni tells Elya, and it later turns out that she is justified in taking this critical view of Myra. There are negative connotations to this description, of course. This simile manages to characterize Myra - a rather superficial and two-dimensional character - in one quick, effective stroke.

'Myra's head is as empty as a flowerpot' (29). It is significant that this quote occurs towards the start of the novel, which establishes the dominant tone of hardship and difficulty for Stanley and the other boys who are condemned to dig holes at Camp Green Lake. The reference to handcuffs is significant as it indicates Stanley's lack of freedom, a vital theme explored in juvenile fiction - especially juvenile fiction that deals with actual imprisonment and incarceration. Stanley isn't truly free because success is impossible for him as long as the Yelnats family is still under Madame Zeroni's curse. He is being restrained by more than just handcuffs: the justice system is working against him, as is, more importantly for the rest of the novel, his family curse. He is being shipped off to a hard labor camp for a crime he did not commit. The author creates a claustrophobic atmosphere and a strong sense that the character is trapped against his will, which is certainly the case. This simile clearly illustrates Stanley's uncomfortable situation and his lack of agency. 'The bus wasn't air conditioned, and the hot, heavy air was almost as stifling as the handcuffs' (6).

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