The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? Metaphors and Similes

The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? Metaphors and Similes

We’ve killed each other

Martin says this in response to Billy’s question if Martin had killed Stevie. Martin means that he and Stevie with their actions and words have killed the idea of the marriage they have been living with, that they have destroyed their marriage.

You have too much to remember

Stevie says this to Martin when he begins to doubt if he has Alzheimer’s. Stevie is hinting at the age Martin has reached, and the life he had lived that is full of so many experiences where its not possible to remember everything in life, and one might forget a few inconsequential things.

Like the moon, eh?

Martin calls his son’s homosexuality a phase. Like the phases of moon, which last for a fortnight. To Martin, Billy’s homosexuality is either a fad of youth or just a coping mechanism for not having found the right girl.

Judas

Martin calls Ross Judas for telling Stevie that Martin had been in love with a goat. Judas as a classical example of a person betraying his friend. In this case, Ross has not just betrayed Martin by revealing a secret told in confidence, but Stevie as well who is unable to bear the fact that her marriage may not be perfect.

Put on your public face

Ross says this to Martin for his interview, that Martin should perk up for the interview. This implication is quite potent, since appearance for the sake of keeping appearances is an important theme in the play. Not only Martin is quite open with feelings about Sylvia, but also about the incestuous feelings he had for his son in his early days.

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