The Good Book Metaphor
The Good Book is a metaphor for the Bible because it refers to the Word of God that is within. Anyone who follows what is in the Bible is considered to be a good person and so the Good Book is a sort of road map of how to live a good and godly life.
Harmony Metaphor
Bridie says that they continued to sing because although it probably sounded awful to anyone listening, the women believed in their harmony. This is a metaphor for the unbreakable bond and resolve that they maintained that the Japanese never managed to break down.
Lipstick Larry Metaphor
The name is given to a guard who likes to have sex with as many women as he can; his nickname refers to his love of girls in lipstick who leave marks on his collar.
Stopping the Japs Looting the Silver Metaphor
When Sheila is evacuated her mother chooses to stay behind to "stop the Japs looting my silver". This is a metaphor for the perceived patriotism that she exhibited; it had no basis in reality, but every time the government wanted to encourage their citizens to do something in particular or react in a particular way they said that it was "patriotic" and this was more likely to make a person who considered themselves a British patriot do it.
Laughed like they were Crying Simile
When the women are told to "keep smiling" they do more than that; they erupt into laughter that doesn't seem to be able to stop and there are tears pouring down their cheeks. This is why Sheila thinks that they are crying.
