Cowslips
In the first chapter of the novel, the rabbits are described as living in relative peace and not having to worry about the future. Two of the rabbits, which will also become the main characters, decide to go further from the field where they usually found their food and go near a stream in hopes of finding cowslips. The two rabbits find the much sought after food and they start eating it immediately. Not long after, a form of police force comes to the two rabbits and tells them that the cowslips are reserved for those who are rich or who are working for the government. Thus, in this context, the cowslips become used as a metaphor for social unbalance and social injustice.
Sunset
Fiver begins to feel fearful and agitated apparently for no reason at all. He feels as is something bad was sure to take place and tries to warn others about the impending danger. The moment when Fiver begins to experience these feelings is at the end of an otherwise peaceful day when the sun is setting. Thus, in this context, the sunset is used as a metaphor for impending danger and unrest.
Fear as paralyzing
Throughout the novel, many characters have to deal with an intense feeling of fear which makes them unable to carry on with their lives in a normal and controlled manner. In many instances, fear is compared with a piece of wire tied around a person's neck and which becomes tighter and tighter with each passing moment. This comparison is extremely suggesting because it suggests the idea that fear can be extremely dangerous and can have the power to disrupt the normal flow of a person's life.
The burrow
The burrow is the place where every rabbit on the pasture runs towards to when it feels in danger. Once inside the burrow, the feelings of fear disappear immediately and all that is left is a sense of calmness. Thus, in this context, we can claim that the burrow is used in this novel as a metaphor for the safety offered by being inside a well-known place or area.
The honeycomb
The Honeycomb is the name of a room in the burrow built by Fiver and the rest of the rabbits at Watership Down. The room is used by everyone as a place to socialize and to come together and even to think about ways to keep themselves safe and to make sure their burrow flourishes. Because of this, the Honeycomb is used here as a metaphor for the need humans have to socialize and to be close to one another.
