Bus Trip
Jessie compares her life to a bus ride, stating that getting off now is the same as getting off later, implying that continuing offers no new experiences or changes. This metaphor reflects her perception of life's monotony and her desire to take control of her destiny.
The Kitchen
The kitchen, traditionally seen as the heart of the home, serves as a metaphor for both comfort and confinement. It represents the domestic roles that have defined Thelma's identity and the limitations imposed on Jessie, highlighting the complexities of their mother-daughter relationship.
Food
Thelma's frequent indulgence in sweets symbolizes her attempt to fill emotional voids. Her fixation on candy and desserts serves as a metaphor for seeking comfort and satisfaction in the absence of meaningful relationships or personal achievements.
The Locked Bedroom Door
Jessie's retreat to her bedroom and locking the door serves as a powerful metaphor for the final separation between her and her mother. The closed door symbolizes the irreversible decision Jessie has made and the emotional distance that has developed between them.
Gun
Jessie's possession of the gun represents her assertion of control over her life and death. It serves as a metaphor for empowerment, highlighting her determination to make a definitive choice in a life where she has felt powerless.
Death as a Silent Stalker
In this simile, Thelma compares death to a stealthy murderer lurking nearby. This vivid imagery conveys her fear of the unknown and the inevitability of death, emphasizing its unpredictable and intrusive nature.