Milly
Throughout the text, Milly is referred to as a dove, signaling to readers that she enjoys peace. Similarly, equating Milly to a dove means she is innocent and loving. Despite knowing she is terminally ill; Milly remains positive and determined to be happy for those around her. At last, when she dies, Aunt Maud says, "The dove has folded her wings and succumbed." Consequently, Milly as a dove is a metaphor that reflects Milly’s tranquility, virtuousness, and love.
Empty center of content
The author's other notable metaphor in The Wings of the Dove is the expression "Empty center of content," which compares Milly’s life to worthlessness. Milly is a beautiful young woman who does not have a family because she is alone. Despite having vast wealth, her life is empty because she is terminally ill, and the wealth cannot help her regain her health. The people around Milly are opportunists. For instance, Aunt Maud and Kate convince Merton to marry Milly to inherit her wealth after she dies. Everyone knows that Milly will die very soon, and they strategize how to get her wealth.
The simile of the painted idol
Milly is on vacation in Venice, Italy, and she is a princess in her palace. She finds suitable lodging in a palatial Venetian hotel, where she spends her last days on earth. The author compares the Venetian palace's history to a painted idol to emphasize its significance. The author writes, "Its history still in its great lap, even like a painted idol, solemn puppet hung about with decorations. Milly roamed around the grand lodge slowly to and fro as the priestess of the worship." Consequently, Milly’s visit to Venice is illustrative because it symbolizes her last day on earth.
