Animals
Greta likens the women’s sexual assaults to being preyed on as if they were animals. Toews writes, "Greta replies that we have been preyed upon like animals; perhaps we should respond in kind." The women are discussing how horses flee when they are faced with danger. Preys are usually vulnerable and at the mercy of their attackers. The sexual assaults have dehumanized the women to the degree that they feel their worth is equivalent to animals. Greta's suggestion that they respond to their sexual assaults means that she believes the women have a right to respond to their attackers. Fleeing would mean they are afraid of the males who assault them sexually.
“Run out of Eggs”
Toews likens Salome’s speechlessness to a woman running out of words. Toews writes, “Even if, one day, she runs out of words like a woman is said to run out of “eggs,” I believe that Salome will be able to communicate and give life, fearsome life, to every emotion stemming from each injustice she perceives.” Salome has recommended that the men who attacked her be forgiven. However, her rage over the attack persists. Toews uses the metaphor of a woman’s eggs to underscore that Salome will still find a way to communicate her pain. Running out of words will not hinder Salome from communicating.
“As Jesus Washed the Feet”
The women emulate Jesus by washing one another’s feet. Toews elaborates, “ It [the washing of feet] would be an appropriate symbolic act representing our service to each other…as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper." The metaphor of washing feet depicts the women's spiritual connection to each other. They have bonds nourished by the love they express by washing each other's feet. They emulate Jesus to create a strong sisterhood that is imperative for them to survive the abuse the patriarchal figures have subjected them to.
