Bensalem (Metaphor)
As the title of the text indicates, the Pacific Island of Bensalem becomes a metaphorical Atlantis. In the absence of the original Atlantis, of course, it is designed as “New.” As such, Bensalem becomes a metaphor for any utopian ideal. In execution, however, this New Atlantis is much more precise; it is a metaphor for a scientific utopia.
Lust Like a Furnace (Simile)
When Joabin serves as the narrator's interlocutor, he provides information about the moral character of the people of Bensalem, as well as their approach to love and marriage. At one point, he uses a simile to compare the islanders' approach to lust to that of Europeans, saying, "unlawful lust being like a furnace, that if you stop the flames altogether, it will quench; but if you give it any vent, it will rage." Here, Joabin compares lust to a furnace (not an uncommon metaphor in early modern English literature) that must be immediately squelched in order for true prosperity to reign.
Salomon's House (Metaphor)
Salomon’s House is literally a think tank charged with studying “the works and creatures of God” but it acts as a metaphor for the purpose of political economy. What makes Salomon’s House particular is that it is specifically located and carried out in isolation from any scientific impurities. As such, it becomes a metaphor for the idea that true scientific progress can only be achieved without interference from non-scientific intrusion of thought. Such an idea would have been clearly dangerous within the milieu of absolute monarchs and the power of the Church so it was incumbent upon Bacon to present this idea in metaphorical terms.
Chastity (Metaphor)
Joabin also describes Bensalem as "the virgin of the world." In this metaphor, Joabin emphasizes the chastity of the people on the island. Chastity, in this case, while related to virginity, also refers to moral character more generally. Joabin sees the people of the island as the "virgin" form of Europeans, who have corrupted things like marriage and family with desire and self-interest.
Mirror in the World (Metaphor)
When the narrator reflects on his experience among the people of Bensalem, he is overwhelmed by the upstanding moral character exuded by even the "meanest" of people. He remarks, "if there be a mirror in the world worthy to hold men's eyes, it is that country." Here, the narrator uses a metaphor to compare Bensalem to a mirror that deserves attention from the rest of the world, emphasizing how their utopian society should be an example for other civilizations.
