Metaphor in Chapter Two and Three of Truth and Beauty

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In Truth and Beauty chapters two and three Patchett develops the character of Lucy further through the use of figurative language. Patchett uses an Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare, the grasshopper and the ant, as a metaphor to describe the relationship between Lucy and Ann. “Grasshoppers and hares find the ants and tortoises. They need us to survive, but we need them as well. They were the ones who brought the truth and beauty to the party.” (20) This metaphor is important in both describing Lucy as a character as well as describing the bond between Lucy and Ann. Lucy, like the hare, has an attitude of invincibility. She lives her life carefree, not worrying about things like paying her bills for her breast implant surgery. Her teaching syllabus is of books she has not yet read, and she is frequently procrastinating, reading on the way to her class. On the other hand Ann is more like the tortoise. She types her syllabus, has an attendance policy, and teaches books she knows well. Their distinct personalities and different methods are evident. The author’s purpose was not only to illustrate Lucy’s character, but to represent Lucy and Ann’s friendship. “They need us to survive, but we need them as well.” This creates the idea that Anne and Lucy are dependant on each other. It gives the reader the impression that their friendship is stronger than that of a normal bond. More intense, more devoted, than an average friendship. Later on in the chapter Ann tells Lucy “you have me” as a safety net. This supports this idea the author is trying to create with this metaphor. It makes their relationship appear one of deep connections and vulnerability. Furthermore, it creates the idea that they are better together than apart like in the fable. Metaphors are important tools for an author when they are writing. The use of a successful metaphor can paint a picture
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