Trilling Hearts (metaphor)
The metaphor of "disembodied trilling hearts" depicts a group of birds that Caroline and her father have seen. It accentuates the uniqueness of these birds since they call to mind something intimate and personal like a heart beating but in an unexpected form. The idea of them being disembodied also makes them seem otherworldly and mysterious. The narrator proceeds to describe the bird's physical features comparing its black eye to a drop of oil, emphasizing their strangeness further. Likening these birds to hearts that have been scooped out of chests suggests that Caroline empathizes as if her own heart has been taken away. This represents the way she feels disconnected from her family since moving away from Birch Hill. Additionally, by having Caroline draw the birds for George Hawkins' letter it implies that she wants some kind of connection—like sending out part of herself through art.
Rogue Antenna (simile)
The narrator asserts "David's lock of hair lifted in a pocket of wind like a rogue antenna." This comparison highlights that David is someone who stands out from the usual crowd. He has an air of mystery and his presence is unexpected, much like a rogue antenna. There is an element of uncertainty since no one knows what will happen when this "rogue antenna" arrives at Birch Hill. David may have difficulty fitting into their existing community, as antennas are often seen as strange objects that stand out from the rest. Additionally, the simile illustrates Caroline's anticipation about what David could potentially bring to her life. She recognizes his potential for bringing change but also realizes there could be danger involved if things hardly go as planned.
Small Deaths (metaphor)
The metaphor of "small deaths" represents the silent and stilling nature of winter. By using the depiction of a natural season, the narrator illustrates how Caroline's community was slowly losing its vitality. The leaves going, the air thinning, and the remaining grass drying to straw all represent the death of hope for their settlement. Similarly, Caroline's inability to find her stick with its burned end reflects her inner turmoil as she searches desperately for something that will help her make sense of what happened with the girls. These "small deaths" also represent a greater loss—that of innocence and optimism about their new life at Birch Hill. With each passing season, it becomes more obvious that it will be hard to survive yet they are determined to try even when all odds seem stacked against them.
Daily Miracles (metaphor)
Caroline compares healing and the coming of spring to "slow daily miracles." The comparison highlights the transformative nature of these events. Healing from an illness or injury can be a long process but it brings new strength, while the arrival of spring after winter signals renewal and rebirth. The metaphor captures how both of these processes require sustained effort and patience over time. The use of the word "miracles" adds a sense of wonder to the description as they occur despite all odds being against them. She is affirming that we should appreciate them while they last but also recognize their value in our lives when they are gone as well. By making this comparison between healing and miracles, Caroline encourages Eliza to take comfort in small victories and remember there will always be good times ahead.
Parcels (simile)
The narrator uses a simile to compare the arrival of the students at the farmhouse to that of parcels. By equating them to parcels, she expresses how efficiently and dispassionately they are received by Samuel and his daughter Caroline. It describes how these girls have been sent away from their homes in order for them to receive an education in line with Samuel's ideas about female empowerment. Despite their parents' hope for better lives for them, these students have been largely objectified by their families and society. They are seen as commodities to be traded or exchanged rather than individuals worthy of respect and consideration.
