The Burials
When the three queens enter Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding celebration, they entreat Theseus to help them give their husbands a proper burial after Creon has refused to honor their requests. The second queen says, "He will not suffer us to burn their bones, / To turn their ashes, but infects the winds, / With stench of our slain lords" (1.1). Here, the second queen uses a metaphor to suggest that by refusing to bury the kings properly, Creon is introducing an "infection" that will spread to the rest of the world through the wind.
The Appearance of Grief
The three queens inspire great pity in Emilia, who along with Hippolyta convinces Theseus to leave the wedding celebration in order to wage war against Creon. When Emilia sees the Queens, she says, "Your grief is written on your cheek" (1.1). Here, Emilia uses a metaphor to suggest that grief is something displayed for all to see, as if it were literally inscribed onto one's face.
Death as the Equalizer
While they bemoan the loss of their husbands, the three queens share sage advice with the people at the wedding, saying, "This world’s a city full of straying streets, / And death’s the market-place where each one meets" (1.5). While the three queens of course refer to their slain husbands, they also use a metaphor to compare humanity to a city and death to the "marketplace" that brings everyone together. In other words, the queens suggest that everyone, eventually, dies, including those who are currently celebrating the union of Theseus and Hippolyta.
Creon's Vulnerable State
Because Creon has defeated the kingdoms of the three queens, he is proud of his accomplishments and, according to the queens, celebrating his success. The second queen tells Theseus that Creon is "drunk with his victory," using a metaphor to suggest that Creon is deriving great pleasure form his conquering of other kingdoms (1.1). This metaphor also suggests, however, that Creon is distracted by his own celebrations and therefore made more vulnerable to invasion by Theseus and his army.
Frienship as Refuge
While confined to the Athenian prison, Palamon and Arcite refuse to lament their unfortunate circumstances. Instead, Arcite tells Palamon, "Let’s think this prison holy sanctuary / To keep us from corruption of worse men" (2.2). Here, Arcite uses a metaphor to compare the prison to a safe place where the cousins will be free of evil men, suggesting that their close friendship is a refuge against corruption and vice.
