Usage of 是 and 般 in 象[像] predicate.

[navaburo]

I'm having trouble with this sentence.

大角就象是巨象脚下的一只蚂蚁般微小。

I understand it to mean something like: "Arcturus looked as tiny as an ant at the feet of a huge elephant."

What throws me off is 是 and 般:

1. Is the 是 optional here? Or do we need it because we are saying something like "Arcturus looks TO BE tiny".
   
2. What is 般 doing? Could it be replaced by 一样?
   

Thanks!

- Chris

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As a curious aside, Google Translate has (hilariously) a bit of trouble with these extended adjective constructions in Chinese.... it follows the garden path and gives:

"Arcturus is like a giant elephant at the foot of an ant-like tiny."

[skylee]

1. Yes.

2. Yes. Other alternatives include 那麼 and 那樣. If you need to use fewer words, use 般.

[navaburo]

merci pour la réponse rapide, d'habitude!

have fun in 法国

[skylee]

Merci.