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Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Pages 50-53
Explanation and Analysis—Flowers:
Flowers are an extended metaphor in Gilead, symbolizing the closeness of beauty and death. John sees Lila and their son return home carrying flowers. The flowers tell him that they’ve been to the graveyard. John knows they were visiting in order to familiarize their son with the place so that he’s comfortable there after John dies. Then, his son "teaches" him how to suck honeysuckle with those same flowers:
You would bite the little tip off a flower and then hand it to me, and I pretended I didn’t know how to go about it, and I would put the whole flower in my mouth, and pretend to chew it and swallow it, or I’d act as if it were a little whistle and try to blow through it, and you’d laugh and laugh and say, No! no! no!!
Related Themes:
Pages 110-115
Explanation and Analysis—The Church:
In Gilead, John Ames’s church becomes a metaphor for his life.
John knows that the trustees are going to replace the church building as soon as he dies. They won't take his suggestions for building repairs, which suggests that there's no point in fixing it up. He also knows this is partially for his own good. He writes:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I’d like to see our new church, but they’re right, I’d hate to see the old one come down. I believe seeing that might actually kill me, which would not be such a terrible thing for a person in my circumstances.
Related Themes:
