The Veil (Metaphor)
The metaphor for the Veil in Maria Cristina Mena's 'The Vine Leaf' represents secrecy and mystery. The story has many cryptic aspects from the commencement to the end. When the author introduces the Señorita through the narration of Dr. Malsufrido, her face is hidden from the doctor. By obstructing her face with the veil, the Señorita attains some mystery and her real intentions cannot be understood. The incoherent explanation for the reasons she wants the blemish of the vine-leaf extirpated evokes a sense of curiosity in the minds of the doctor and the readers. The circumstances surrounding the death of Andrade are also obscure. Generally, there are many inexplicable events in the entire story.
Metaphor for the Doctor’s Hat
In the story, there is a graphic description of Dr. Malsufrido's hat. It is described as being capacious in a rare way. It also sinks low and it has to be supported by the ears and the eyebrows. This description is not that of a mere piece of clothing, it is a covert reference to the decorum and authority of the doctor. It is what helps him not to divulge the secrets of his patients. The doctor's authority is so strong that its mere presence can make diseases dissipate from a patient.
Similes in 'The Vine-leaf'
The lady patient told Dr. Malsulfrido that she would not regret choosing him to be her surgeon if his knife was as apt as his tongue. The Señorita meant that she hoped that the doctor would be as good at the use of the surgical knife as he was at the use of his tongue. She implied that the doctor had superb persuasion skills. Incidentally, the doctor relied on some form psychotherapy to dispel fear and anxiety in his patients. To elicit this witty use of words from the patient, the doctor had told her about the first patient who he says had come wearing a veil that was like that of a nun.
