The Importance of Choosing Names
The narrator is given a glimpse of the future by Nadja in which she foresees that he will one day take another name. The advice which comes with the prediction is metaphorical:
“the name you choose…must have something of fire about it, for it is always fire that recurs in anything to do with you”
Literally Metaphorical
At one point the narrator describes Nadja’s reaction through metaphor which he quite directly insists upon literalizing. Which, of course, brings up the question: is this truly a metaphor or not? (The answer is yes, it is).
“I am startled to notice that she is literally `trembling like a leaf.’”
Metaphorically Philosophical
Life is situated metaphorically as a puzzle which requires working out. The narrator suggests:
“Perhaps life needs to be deciphered like a cryptogram.”
Recurring Metaphor
This metaphor is introduced very early on in the book and then is revisited just a few short pages before it concludes:
First appearance: “I insist…on being interested only in books left ajar like doors.”
Repeat appearance: “…and that through this door I should probably never see anyone come in but you.”
Simple Simile
Not all metaphorical imagery is so philosophical. On a few occasions, the narrator turns to the convenience of simile to more easily convey an image:
“Several times she has tried draw my portrait with my hair standing on end—as though sucked up by a high wind—like long flames.”
