The Letter Metaphors and Similes

by W. Somerset Maugham

The Letter Metaphors and Similes

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Hammond being killed at the Crosbie bungalow, and then having to live there, is a metaphor for how Leslie’s betrayal will forever haunt them.

Protection

Joyce pays to ensure his oldest friend isn’t hurt by the contents of Leslie’s Letter. His refusal to tell Crosbie the truth is a metaphor for how Joyce too has been manipulated by Leslie.

Greed

Ong Chi Seng works for Joyce, but still hustles him to take part of the $10,000 for himself. This is a metaphor for greed and how it has become Ong Chi Seng’s driving force.

Justice

The Chinese woman was Hammond’s love and she gives the indicting letter over for $10,000. This is a metaphor for money being a greater security for than justice for this woman.

The Letter

The play itself is a metaphor for how nothing is as it seems. The opening scene is one where we aren’t sure who has done wrong. We are led to believe Hammond was until we learn the truth.

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