The clear blue sky
The novel begins with a description of a brilliant blue sky which gives the characters a feel-good attitude. This feeling continues towards the middle of the novel until the main character begins to change and to deteriorate. As such, the blue sky is used here as a metaphor to represent the carefree life the characters had at the beginning of the novel.
The storm
Before Carlos dies, the city in which he lived is affected by an awful storm. This storm is described as being extremely violent and even the oldest characters claim that they have never seen such a storm. This event is an important one here and is also used as a metaphor. As such, the storm is used as a metaphor to represent the violent nature of death.
Like Don Juan
Carlos is compared time and time again with the famous male character called Don Juan. This comparison is an extremely important one because it transmits the idea that Carlos was seen as an extremely attractive man and was sought after by the women around him.
Metaphor for moral depravation
Every character has an openly negative attitude towards the idea of living in the city. They all portray the city as an unpleasant place to live, an area where negative things take place. As such, the city is used as a metaphor for moral depravation.
Like a flock of chickens
The women who follow Carlos and who are in love with him are presented in the most unflattering way. The narrator compares these women time and time again with a flock of headless chickens, following an arrogant cock as it prowls through the garden. This comparison is used here to show just how easy to influence those women were and how they did not put too much thought into their actions.
