Foreshadowing?
Very early in the proceedings, the narrator makes a metaphorically significant observation. Could it be a case of foreshadowing the literal aspects contained within the metaphor? Only the time it takes to read on will tell:
“…hang around any court for a while and you will see just how precarious life can be. How your world can come tumbling down all too rapidly if you make the wrong call”
The Judicial System
The judicial system is fodder for metaphorical comparisons perhaps as much as any other single career discipline. Toss in feminist empowerment and body autonomy issues and you’ve got the making of a robust potential for figurative imagery:
“A woman in the gallery cries out in relief; and another – Kitty? for Olivia is not in court – calls ‘No’. The cry is guttural, instinctive; the no of a woman who knows that a miscarriage of justice is taking place and there is nothing she can do at all.”
Dancing with Lady Luck
There are some men who were just born with the capacity to walk up to Lady Luck, ask her dance, and wind up taking her home for the night. For other men, Lady Luck will forever be just a wallflower. The former type is being discussed here:
“I need her to see how unjust this probable ending will be. How he – a man born lucky – will continue to thrive and excel; once more the golden boy – for this will be seen as a blip; a madness brought about and prosecuted by vengeful women. An unfortunate stain that will be eradicated over the years.”
Shelley, Prince Harry…Hugh Laurie
The reference in this metaphorical character description is to Eton College. This institute of higher learning is notable for producing a certain “type” of British gent. Amongst those mentioned above could be added the actual Earl Grey and Bear Grylls.
“The effortless, unostentatious courtesy that is the trademark of an Old Etonian, that cannot help but flatter so that you feel, when their attention is on you, that they are genuinely interested; genuinely concerned to help.”
Sophie, the Attractive Divorcee
Actually, that title is precisely the one that Sophie is described as never wanting. A particularly poetic bit of metaphorical language is engaged to peek inside the psyche that rejects this potential conclusion to her marriage:
“As if her ex-husband’s infidelity were contagious or her neediness, and a ruthlessness about remarrying, clung like a musky sexuality.”
