Metaphor for power
One of the common metaphors used in the play is that of the gun as a way of oppressing the black people. The gun has the power to kill and also to make the people threatened by it feels powerless. Even though some black men had guns, they could not use it to protect themselves. Thus, considering this, we can reach the conclusion that the gun is used here as a metaphor to suggest the power the white men have over the blacks.
Metaphor for giving up his power
When Richard first shows his gun, his family members insist he gives it up as to not hurt anyone. Richard refuses, claiming he needs it to protect himself should something happen. A few days later, Richard agrees to give up his gun, asking his father to take care of the gun until he needs it. The moment Richard hands over the gun is a metaphorical one because it represents the way in which the black community handed over the power over to the white population.
Metaphor for a new society
Lyle often talks about his son and about leaving something for him. Because of this, Lyle works hard and does his best to try and make some money for his son. Lyle’s son is still an infant, unaware of what is happening around him and thus there is hope he will grow into a man who will not agree with the racist views his parents have. Because of this, the small child is used as a metaphor for a new society, less prejudiced and racist.
Metaphor for all evil
Another metaphor used in the play is the drugs as the cause for every evil thing in the world. The judge and Lyle tries to convince the jury that Richard is the one blame for his own death because he was using drugs and was drunk and thus he was a danger to everyone.
The weeds
After killing Richard, Lyle drops his body in the weeds and leaves him there. The place where Lyle drops Richard’s body is important because it transmits the idea that black lives do not matter and have no value. Thus, the weeds become a metaphor for the idea of black lives being disposable.
