The God of Fortunate Moments (metaphor)
The narrator asserts, "Because once the god has slipped past on his winged feet, the back of his head is sleek and hairless, nowhere to grab hold of." This metaphor uses the mythological figure of Kairos to illustrate the fleeting nature of opportunities or moments of fortune. In Greek mythology, Kairos represents the right or opportune moment. The description of Kairos with a lock of hair only on his forehead signifies that one must seize opportunities when they present themselves. Once an opportunity has passed, much like the hairless back of Kairos's head, there is no way to recapture it. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of being attentive and ready to act, which encapsulates the essence of the narrative's themes of time and chance.
Transparent Crypts and the Graveyard
The following metaphor captures a moment of intense intimacy between the characters, which juxtaposes their living existence with the omnipresence of death. It says, "And now all the crypts are become transparent, and he and she are standing directly in the graveyard, and the island of the living is no bigger than the tiny patch of ground under their feet." It represents the raw and exposed state of their emotions and vulnerabilities. The metaphor occurs at a significant moment when the two characters are physically and emotionally close. They are listening to music together, specifically a requiem, which is traditionally a mass for the dead. The setting is charged with the themes of life and death as they engage in an act of love that transcends mere physicality.
Human Bodies as Landscapes (metaphor)
The narrator states, "The dead go trembling up to heaven, while the two human bodies turn themselves into landscapes that may not be seen, only grasped, contours tracked with innumerable paths." This metaphor transforms the physical act of intimacy into a poetic exploration of human connection. By describing bodies as "landscapes," Erpenbeck evokes the vastness present in understanding another person akin to exploring an intricate terrain. The idea that these landscapes "may not be seen, only grasped" highlights the limitations of visual perception in fully comprehending another's inner world. The "innumerable paths" imply the countless ways their lives and experiences intersect.
Berlin Backyard (simile)
The simile "Your body is like the snow in a Berlin backyard in March" captures the sense of coldness, transience, and impurity. Snow in March is typically dirty, slushy, and melting symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of spring. By comparing the body to this type of snow, the phrase highlights a sense of decay, imperfection, or the inevitable loss that comes with time. It implies that the character's body and their relationship or emotions are in a state of decline.
Reclam Paperbacks (simile)
The simile "Your hands are brown and sere like two Reclam paperbacks" compares the hands to old and well-worn books. Reclam paperbacks are known for their yellowish pages and are associated with classical literature, which implies age and a wealth of experience or knowledge. The description "brown and sere" suggests dryness and aging. This comparison conveys a sense of the character's hands being weathered and tired much like the pages of a frequently read book. Thus, it indicates a life filled with work and possibly hardships.
