Darkness, the enemy and a friend
To describe death in the novel it is compared to the falling of darkness that at first seems like an enemy, but then a friend. The enemy because it signifies ending and friend because it represents the new beginning.
Clutter
Casualties of war are compared to the clutter that needs to be put away and forgotten. This is the ultimate irony of war where people are seen as expendable tools, that, once used and damaged, no one wants to look at them because they are a reminder of the tragedy.
A cascade of echoes
As she begins to unconsciously remember her previous lives Ursula feels as though her memories are a cascade of echoes. It makes sense because she lives the same life over and over again, and some memories are meant to echo each other.
Mephistopheles to her Faustus
This obvious metaphorical allusion to represent Izzie in her relation to Ursula showcases the dynamics of their complicated relationship. Izzie is the infamous aunt, the one who took the wrong path and who doesn't censor herself. Ironically, Izzie is the one Ursula runs to when she is in trouble, but Izzie herself can only provide a solution that is known and logical to her, which might not be the best solution to Ursula.
