Wheel (metaphor)
The metaphor of a wheel is used to describe the city of Detroit. The description illustrates how the “five broad boulevards radiated outward” from the downtown area “like the spokes on a wheel.” This comparison speaks to the significance of the auto industry in Detroit's development and growth. The automobile was seen as an integral part of Detroit's identity. Henceforth, the metaphor symbolizes Detroit’s ability to reinvent itself through modern technology and manufacturing processes. The use of this metaphor indicates how Detroit was transformed from a sleepy Midwestern town into an industrial powerhouse that would become synonymous with progress and progressivism. In addition, it alludes to the idea that city planning can be used to create efficient and attractive cities—a concept that has been embraced by many urban planners today.
Fine China (metaphor)
Ossian's ambition for success and status is compared to "fine china," which was something that people of his social standing were not supposed to have or possess. This comparison denotes that Ossian felt it was out of reach and unattainable the same way fine china is typically seen as a luxurious commodity. Moreover, it demonstrates how difficult it would be for Ossian to become a doctor due to the unequal opportunities available to African Americans at the time. In addition, the narrator affirms that pursuing medicine was a way for Ossian to attain this level of respectability since it was becoming increasingly exclusive and highly regarded by society. In that, succeeding in life would bring him wealth far beyond his current circumstances and expectations. Thus, reinforcing his determination to achieve success despite the odds stacked against him because of racism.
Tectonic Shifts (metaphor)
The metaphor of “tectonic shifts" depicts the political and social changes that took place in America during the Great War. The use of this metaphor highlights how significantly different things were for African Americans after World War I, as they faced both new opportunities and challenges. It also serves to underline how quickly these changes took place and how disruptive they could be. The imagery of "fissures" further contributes to this sense of upheaval illustrating deep divisions within colored America caused by these rapid transformations. Therefore, it demonstrates the drastic change and tumult that accurately reflects the situation African Americans found themselves in at the time.
Venom of Lynch Law (metaphor)
The metaphor "venom of lynch law surged through his veins" is used to describe Ty Cobb's racism. In that, racism is so deeply entrenched in Cobb that it runs through him like poison— something he cannot control or stop. It highlights the pervasiveness of racism and its ability to take hold in even an otherwise successful public figure such as Cobb. Cobb was driven by a deep hatred towards Black people similar to those who committed horrific acts of violence against members of the African American community. The comparison between Cobb's actions and those of lynch law shows how far society still has to go regarding racial equality, despite progress being made.
Rain (simile)
The simile "rocks hitting the ... house like rain" compares the sound of rocks being thrown at the houses. This illustrates the intense and frequent rocks that were being thrown at their home denoting that it was a violent attack. It also serves as an analogy for how quickly and decisively public opinion can turn against someone when malicious information about them is widely distributed. By comparing rocks hitting a house like rain, it indicates that false information can spread rapidly, just as quickly and intensely as a downpour of rain, causing people's opinions on a particular person or group to change drastically in an instant. Even though Adler reported the truth, his editors chose to ignore it in favor of a narrative they thought would be more palatable to readers, which ultimately changed public perception of Dr. Sweet and his family.
