Love as a metaphor for submission
Love is in this novel a one-sided affair in which Severin tries to do everything he can to make Wanda happy. Wanda, on the other hand, remains impassive and cold, not caring what Severin wants and what he needs in order to be happy. Because of this, love is used in the novel as a metaphor to make reference to complete submission.
Venus
Venus appears at the beginning of the novel when the narrator has a conversation with the ancient Goddess. The two talk about the nature of love and about the desire a man may have to be controlled by a woman. Venus is seen as the perfect woman, a strong woman who is not afraid to take what she wants. Venus is used in this novel as a metaphor, representing the feminine ideal and how a modern woman should behave in today's society.
The furs
Both Venus and Wanda are described as wearing furs and Severin feels even more attracted by the two when they are dressed in that manner. The furs make the women appear even more attractive to the narrator and make their feminine qualities even more obvious. The furs are thus used here as a metaphor that represents a woman's sexuality.
Education and independence
The narrator points out that women became more independent once they were allowed to get a proper education. From that point on, the women started to think for themselves and to stand up against the abuse. Education is seen as having paid an extremely important role in the emancipation of the woman in modern society. Because of this, education is seen here as a metaphor for independence.
The woman as a goddess
One comparison which we find in the novel is that between the normal woman and an ancient goddess. The narrator claims that every woman has something divine in her and should be treated accordingly. This comparison is used in the novel the argue that there is a good reason to worship women. As the narrator points out, only through women can a normal man really get in touch with divinity.
