Metaphor for his affection
When Beatrice returns to Richard, the latter asks her if she wants to read what he had written about her. Richard compares his writings with the sketches a painter may make of his loved one and can’t understand why Beatrice would not like to see what he had written. The writings are used here as a metaphor to suggest the love Richard had for Beatrice and also his desire to be accepted by her.
Religion as a metaphor for peace
The idea transmitted by the characters in the play is that none of them are religious. Some religions, Protestantism for example, are harshly criticized by most of the characters but despite their dislike towards a certain religion, it is clear that most characters have a sort of respect for religious people and beliefs. More than once, characters such as Beatrice and Richard express their belief that the only way a person could find peace is through religion. Thus, because of this, religion becomes used in the play as a metaphor for lasting peace.
Harmonium
When Beatrice talks about the time she spent with her father, Robert intervenes and assumes that the time spent there could be compared with a melody played at the harmonium. The musical instrument mentioned here, harmonium, produces very somber notes and it is usually associated with sadness. Thus, what Robert wanted to highlight through this comparison is that Beatrice most likely did not enjoyed the time she spent at her father’s house.
The piano
Beatrice is the only character in the play associated with the piano and apparently the only one who can play it. Throughout the play, whenever the musical instrument is mentioned, Beatrice appears as well. The fact that Beatrice can play the piano even though her parents are Protestants is interesting especially when considering how those who were Protestants did not saw music as a holy expression. Thus, the fact that Beatrice can play the piano is used as a metaphor to suggest her refusal to adhere to the social norms many would have liked to impose on her.
Like the moon
Robert talks with Bertha concerning the affection he had for her and he compares her with the moon. When Bertha asks him why he compares her with the moon, he claims it is because she is distant, beautiful and yet cold. This comparison is used in this context to characterize Bertha and to show just how much Robert was in love with her.
