Chitipur
During the period of British history in which novel appeared, one could learn just as much about India as England from much of the literary output. The Brits were obsessed with their possessions along the Indian subcontinent. The background of the occupied nation plays as large a role in the plot and theme as England itself. And the metaphorical descriptions of cities like Chitipur are not always this respectful (irony, that was):
“There is little criticism in the city and less work. A patriarchal calm sleeps in all its streets.”
A Tsunami of Metaphor
Mrs. Repton is not the romantic interest in this story. But she is every bit as significant and sometimes more fascinating. In this particular case, her thoughts swirl about the reader like tidal wave of metaphorical imagery:
“She spoke obviously without any wish to hurt. Yet the words did hurt. She saw Thresk redden as she uttered them, and a swift wild hope flamed like a rose in her heart: if this man with the brains and the money and the perseverance sitting at her side should turn out to be the Perseus for her beautiful chained Andromeda, far away there in the state of Chitipur!”
Stella’s Men
Stella is initially introduced with the observation that at the tender age of nineteen she was “accounted lovely by others besides Henry Thresk.” Fortunately, for Stella, that natural attraction does not fade with age. Fella number three who plays a huge role in accounting her lovely—much later on—is Dick Hazelewood. This time it’s love. Probably. Maybe. Metaphorically, anyway.
“If I lost Dick I should lose all the world."
Simple Descriptive Metaphor
Not all metaphorical imagery in the novel is devoted to expansion upon themes or considerations of romanticized ecstasy. Sometimes a metaphor is simply a better way of describing a reaction. Such as the one that Henry gives upon hearing the circumstances of the passing of Stella’s husband:
"It's quite true," Repton agreed. "We are very sorry."
"Sorry!"
The exclamation burst from Thresk's lips.
The Controlling Metaphor
The controlling metaphor of the novel—so controlling that it is repeated exactly verbatim or every near to it several times throughout the narrative—has to do with paying one’s way in life to get what they really want. It is the tale end of this metaphor which provides the thematic foundation for the events which play out:
"People get what they want if they want it enough, but they can't control the price they have to pay.”
