Fat as a Pig (Simile)
Marie-Ange insults Germaine by saying that "She's fat as a pig." This simile underlines Marie-Ange's perception of Germaine as more comfortably well-off than she is, while also making a pointed comment about her appearance. It is both an insult and an indicator of her jealousy, as she believes it shows how well-fed she is.
Work Like a Demon (Simile)
At the beginning of the play, the chorus of women says that they "work like a demon." This means that they work with a furious intensity, but also that their work conditions are terrible and exhausting, implying that it is quite similar to being in hell.
Asking for the Moon (Metaphor)
Early in the play, Germaine says to Linda that she is not "asking for the moon" by asking her to stay and help paste the stamps. What this metaphorical expression means is that she is not requesting something major or arduous from Linda. This phrase underscores how Germaine feels Linda is lazy and ungrateful.
Having a Baby in the House (Simile)
Thérèse says that having her mother Olivine live with her is "like having a baby in the house." What she means by this is that Olivine is as helpless and needy as a baby, despite being quite elderly. She also means that she is as exhausted taking care of her as she was when she had young children.
Treated Like Dirt (Simile)
Gabrielle complains that her son thinks he can treat the rest of the family "like dirt" for not knowing as much as he does about classical music. This simile works to suggest the haughty manner he has adopted while also characterizing the unkind posture his education has made him adopt.
