Wnglish

Similie: “He was as cold as death.”
Denotation: The denotation is that Compeyson has a low body temperature to the point where he could die.
Connotation: The connotation could be that Compeyson has no emotions towards Magwich. He could just be using him as a tool that is expendable. The death part could be relating to the fact that he has no emotions towards Magwich and his well being.