Throw Some Liberty on the Barbie
Shin has to be told that the world is round because he never learned it. He also is unaware of the existence of computers and even TV. All those things are nice, of course, but the thing that Shin learns exists which really captures his imagination is this idea—existing only in the abstract in his experience—of meat which can be grilled. It takes on a metaphorical aspect beyond its meager literal position:
“Freedom, in Shin's mind, was just another word for grilled meat.”
A Case of Incredible Luck
It is explained that the human body’s resistance to electrical voltage varies according to no particular logic. It is also explained the electrical security fences are merely intended to give a big enough jolt of juice to act as a deterrence. The one which Shin manages to survive is designed for maximum lethal capacity. And so it is merely a matter of luck that the metaphor describing Shin’s escape through the deadly fencing seems like it was a hop over a mere security deterrence:
“The soles of his feet felt a though needles were stabbing him.”
The Coal Mines
Shin finds himself in a class from which almost two-thirds will be plucked to go down into the deepness of earth to mind for coal. Regulation, of course, would be just another of things existing in the outside world about which Shin has never heard. He has heard something about working in mines, however:
“As Shin understood it, an assignment in the mines was a death sentence.”
The Supreme Leader
The Kim dynasty that has ruled North Korea since what seems like forever is really big on metaphorical imagery to describe the qualities of being superhuman they ascribe to themselves. Such delusion would be fine if left to their own devices, but the entire rest of the country is forced to repeat, it becomes the literal truth.
“Kim Jong Eun was described in the party daily, Rodong Sinmun, as `the spiritual pillar and lighthouse of hope’ for the military and the people.”
Idiomatic Expression
An idiomatic expression is usually a metaphor that has become familiar almost universally because of repetition. One hears sayings like “chip on his shoulder” or “straw that broke the camel’s back” and understands what they mean but usually without understanding why they mean what they mean. When introduced to such an expression that doesn’t come with the familiarity, one must try to work out from context. Give this one a go:
“`Kid, you have a lot of days to live,’ Uncle said. `They say the sun shines even on mouse holes.’”
