This is a comparison of two unlike things using the terms "like" or "as".
this is a direct comparison of two things, in which they are said to be (in some sense) the same thing.
this is the reference to a person, place, or event from history, literature, or religion with which a reader is likely to be familiar.
this is extreme exaggeration used in a literary work.
this goes beyond the literal meanings of words to create special effects or feelings.
this is a phrase in common use that can not be understood by literal or ordinary meanings.
this is something which seemingly cannot be, yet it is; a contradiction.

the purpose of the heading in the passage is to identify who is telling the story.

this excerpt is part of the book sugar changed the world (2010) written by marc aronson and marina budhos. as the book has been written by two people, the heading "marc" indicates that this specific excerpt is being narrated by aronson. in the fragment, marc describes his grandfather's story after hearing it from his cousin. however, there are other excerpts where budhos is the one that tells the story of her family.

aronson and budhos, who are husband and wife in real life, decided to write sugar changed the world when they found out how sugar, which had an important role in slavery and economy, changed their ancestors' lives.