Metaphor for release
The author included many sexual allusions in the novel and descriptions of various characters who use sex as a way of coping with their everyday life. Garp senior for example, while he was unaware of what was happening around him, had a constant erection and the only time when he was happy was when someone offered him some kind of release. In this sense, the act of reaching orgasm can be seen as a metaphor for emotional release, an action that helps the characters deal with life in general.
Garp and the bird
In the second chapter, Garp almost dies while on the rooftop. He is saved at the last moment by his mother but a bird that was near Garp falls and dies. The people below, looking to see whether Garp will die or not, compared the falling bird with Garp. This comparison has the purpose of highlighting the idea that life in general is extremely fragile and it can end at any moment from a number of different reasons.
Metaphor for the relationship between Helen and Garp
In the 12th chapter, the narrator mentions that the gearshift knob in Helen and Garp’s car is broken and that no one bothered to fix it even though it was broken for a long time. The broken knob is used here as a metaphor for Helen and Garp’s relationship. Even though both were hurt by the relationship they found themselves in, no one dares to admit that they want out. Thus, they continue to remain in the relationship, hurting themselves.
Metaphor for trauma
During the accident described in the 14th chapter, Garp broke his jaw and his tongue was also torn up to the point where he was unable to speak for a long period of time. When he did become able to talk once more, he chose to remain quiet instead of talking. This event wants to suggest that in a metaphorical way, Garp lost his voice after the accident, forgetting who he was and what he wanted from life. The moment he regained his voice is also metaphorical because it suggests a new beginning for Garp and the fact that he was no longer the man he used to be.
Lose of perspective
In the accident in which Garp broke his jaw, his oldest son lost one of his eyes when he fell forward and hit the gearshift. The lost eye is used here as a metaphor to suggest a loss of perspective both from Duncan’s part and from Garp’s part. In a way, they both became blind and unaware of what was happening around them.
