Dillard uses an extended metaphor, comparing us and our planet to the wandering mangrove islands. Think of another metaphor you could use to describe the condition of life on our planet and explain it.

Our planet is just another cell in a human body.

Explanation:

When compared to the vastness of the universe, the earth can barely be seen, with the naked eye from a distance.

The cell too is important and has so many functions when one zooms in as it can not be seen with the naked eyes.

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