Final answer:
The simile describes the distance and disconnection between Tom's voice and Jordan/Nick, enhancing the reader's understanding of the dynamics between the characters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The simile describing Tom's voice 'as remote from Jordan and (Nick) as the foreign calm or on the sidewalk or the tumult of the elevated overheads' serves to create a vivid imagery of the distance and disconnection between Tom and Jordan/Nick.
The use of 'remote' emphasizes the emotional and physical separation, while the comparison to 'foreign calm' and 'tumult' helps to further illustrate the stark contrast between Tom's voice and the presence of Jordan and Nick.
This simile enhances the reader's understanding of the dynamics between the characters and highlights Tom's isolation.