Like a fly on the wall
Tony compares himself repeatedly with a fly on the wall, a silent observant to everything that is happening around him. This comparison is extremely important here because it is representative of the whole play and also for the life of the main character as a whole. The comparison is also used on numerous occasions in the play to transmit the idea that the main character is a simple man, who is similar to other countless men just like him.
The broken roofs
As Tony walks among the streets, he notices the way in which almost every roof of every building seems to be broken in some way or another. Because of this, everyone in the play, even if they come from inside a house, are wet and unhappy. The broken roofs are also used here as a metaphor that stands for a lack of safety which everyone experiences. Because of this, none of the characters can truly be happy and content with their lives and personal situation.
Metaphor for human degradation
The buildings described in the play are not the only elements that are in a deplorable state In fact, the people as well are almost always sick or experiencing some form of physical discomfort. The illness is described as being the result of a person's own actions and decisions and indirectly, each sick person is blamed for their own condition. Because of this, the idea of sickness is also used in the play as a metaphor for human degradation.
Metaphor for opression
The sky is another element described frequently in the play and it is also used here as a metaphor. The sky, just like the rest of the elements, is grey and seems to never change its state, except during special occasions. Every character is affected in one way or another by the state of the sky and feels almost as if they are crushed by it. Thus, because of this, the sky is also used here as a metaphor that represents oppression and pressure.
Freedom
Tony manages to experience freedom for a short period of time when he immerses himself completely in art and refuses to let himself be affected by what is happening around him. To better transmit his feelings, Tony compares himself with a bird, flying freely in the sky. The comparison is important because it represents the first time when Tony no longer feels caged and held down by the world around him.
