"We were like two ships passing in the night."
* This metaphor describes the relationship between Ponyboy Curtis and Cherry Valance. They come from different social groups (greasers and Socs) and initially clash, but they also share a connection through their common humanity.
* The image of two ships passing in the night highlights the fleeting nature of their encounter. Even though they feel a connection, their paths diverge due to the social barriers between them.
* The metaphor also emphasizes the distance and misunderstanding between the two groups. The "ships" represent the two worlds, destined to remain separate, despite the common ground that could potentially bridge them.
This is just one example, and the book is rich with other metaphors that explore themes of social class, identity, violence, and belonging.