Like a candle
In the prologue, we are presented with the protagonist of the story, Agnes, who was sentenced to death. As she waits for someone to take her, she compares herself with a candle flame, easy to snuff out. The comparison has the purpose here of highlighting the idea that humans are extremely fragile and that their life can be ended as easily as blowing a candle flame.
Metaphor for social status
When Jón and Margrét return home, they pass by a house owned by someone they knew and Margrét was able to see that they got a new cow. Margrét thus told Jón that she wants a new cow as well, to elevate their social status. It is thus clear that cattle is used here as a metaphor for social status.
Like a raven
In chapter 2, Agnes talks about the ravens she sees when she is released from prison. The ravens are described here as being cruel animals, able to predict death and yet intelligent all the same. Then, Agnes compares herself to the ravens, highlighting the idea that her intelligence is sometimes perceived as being dangerous.
Metaphor for clensing
The farm where Agnes worked before being convicted of murder burned to the ground after the people living inside it were killed. The fire is an important element here because it is used as a metaphor to suggest cleanliness. Through the fire, the world was cleansed from the influence of two immoral people.
Last dress
After arriving at the farm, Agnes is given new clothes and she is told to burn her dress, the last possession she owned. The dress is used here as a metaphor to suggest that by burning it, Agnes also burns her own personality, and the person she once was ceased to exist.
