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Metaphor
Explanation and Analysis—Snake:
In the following example of metaphor from Chapter 2, Macon Dead II reveals a great deal to readers about how he regards his sister, Pilate Dead:
“Just listen to what I say. That woman’s no good. She’s a snake, and can charm you like a snake, but still a snake.”
"You talking about your own sister, the one you carried in your arms to the fields every morning."
“That was a long time ago. You seen her. What she look like to you? Somebody nice? Somebody normal?”
Macon Dead II presents his sister, Pilate, as a snake. This use of language conjures up sexual, sensual imagery, implying that she is a debauched woman (and hinting at possible incestual connections between Macon and Pilate). Furthermore, given the context of the novel's biblical imagery, it may be safe to say that this passage evokes snake imagery from Genesis, indirectly comparing Pilate to Satan, who appears to Eve as a snake in order to tempt her into disobeying God. Macon regards Pilate not only as a sister but as his temptress, a woman who lives life according to her own rules. Pilate is unbound by society and does not care for it. Macon both resents and envies this.
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