Heres a definition I found
look for or discover a meaning that is hidden or implied rather than explicitly stated
Are less important to the overall plot
Meekness is the correct vocabulary word! Because it means she's shy or timid and they mistake that for weakness like she's not strong enough to stand up to them.
Hope I helped :) -Beanz
The effect of the simile in this passage makes the passage more interesting and gives it that extra "boost" to help the reader understand what is going on.
Hope this helps!