Dark Sun Metaphor
Aravis tells that her stepmother hated her and says "the sun appeared dark in her eyes" as long as she was living with them. This is a metaphor for the jealousy and hatred that fills her stepmother and even the sun, a force of life and good, appears to be much darker when reflected inthe eyes of a cruel and hate-filled woman.
Beehive Simile
the Tombs of the Ancient Kings are said to be like great stone beehives. This is due not only to their shape and design but also to the fact that the inside of them is constructed in the fashion of a maze.
Lobster Pot Metaphor
"Easy in but not easily out, as the lobster said in the lobster pot."
this is a metaphor for the fact that it is very difficult to right a wrong decision and that it is much easier to get into something than it is to get out of it. A lobster can get into a pot easily but it is almost impossible for him to get out again and save himself before it is too late.
Steel Simile
Aravis is described as "hard and true as steel" which is a simile for her Constance and her reliability, and also the fact that in times of crisis she is solid.
False Jade Metaphor
Calling someone "false jade" is a testMent to the fact that they seem to have beauty and value on the outside but in reality this is fake and inside they are not beautiful at all. The Metaphor relates to people who are one thing on the outside but another thing entirely within.
Dung Hill Metaphor
The Tisroc states that a costly jewel retains its value even when hidden in a dung hill. This means that strong characteristics such as honor, discretion and trustworthiness are just as valuable in those you do not like, or in this case, in the subjects that he has no respect for, as they are in the most royal or elevated characters. It is the content that is important and not the packaging it comes in.
