Metaphor for the past
When Big Mom is first introduced, the narrator tells the reader that she crafted a bone flute out of the bones of the most beautiful horse that was killed by the soldiers dressed in blue uniforms and that the song coming from the said flute can be heard from a distance. The flute here is a metaphor for the past and the fact that its song can still be heard suggests the idea that the people who suffered because of the violence committed by the white men did forgot what happened.
Like animals
At some point, the narrator compares the men on the reservation with dangerous animals locked in a small cage. The comparison has the role here of highlighting the idea that the Indian people locked in the reservations had the impression that they were free but in reality they were treated just like dangerous animals who were not considered safe enough to be let free in society.
Fragile eggs
After meeting with Victor and Junior, Thomas compares them with fragile eggs. The comparison has the purpose of highlighting the idea that even though the two appear to be though on the outside , they are in reality fragile people who can break at any moment.
Music and rain
At a later time, after the band was formed and Junior and Victor agreed to side with Thomas and play in a band, the three compared the sound of the music they made with the rain that washed over the reservation. The comparison here has the purpose of highlighting the idea that just like rain is something natural, music is as well a natural element that has the power to influence people and to influence the way they think and act.
Sermon and a rock concert
A peculiar character in the novel is Father Arnold, a person who in his youth used to be in a rock band. He then became a minister and he was sent to serve in the reservation where the characters lived. At one point, father Arnold compared his position as a minister with the position a lead singer had in a band. The comparison here has the purpose of showing that while many believe religion and music to be separated, they are more alike than one would imagine.
