Sexual Perversity in Chicago Metaphors and Similes

Sexual Perversity in Chicago Metaphors and Similes

Goodbye Good Girl

Bernard and Danny are girl-watching at the beach when they spot one who is wearing an especially revealing swimsuit. Bernard says she’s flaunting it and Danny responds with a metaphor indicating that she not cares about projecting herself as a “good girl” because as far as that goes:

“She is casting it to the winds.”

The “My Life is a _____” Metaphor

Out of all the descriptions to fill in that familiar blank, Bernard’s is one of the most unusual. It certainly is a mouthful:

“My life is a bunch of having to make split-second decisions.”

The “Life is a ______” Metaphor

While the “My life” metaphor is specific, the philosophical metaphor for what life is applies generally. For Joan, life is about coming to a self-understanding that makes you more human, but that whole part about understanding yourself is:

“a puzzle…but a finite puzzle. Whose true solution likes, perhaps, in transcending the rules themselves.”

It's not Really About the Shampoo

Fact: the people in this play are the definition of self-involved. Their perspective is so limited that the playwright can write an entire scene that is an argument over whether or not a person knows offhand if they have any shampoo. Why? Because:

“Shampoo is a staple item of your existence. Of course, you know.”

Remember: A Metaphor Doesn't Have to Be Factual

Joan and Deborah have a conversation. The scene begins with an assertion through metaphor by Joan that doesn’t seem to be ironic, but the sincerity of seems quite suspect at best:

“You learn from your mistakes, Deborah. Man is the one animal who has that capacity.”

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

Cite this page