Characters and Relationships:
* Gilly as a "thorny rose": Gilly is tough, prickly, and even hurtful, but underneath she has a tender heart. This metaphor suggests that she is a complex character with hidden vulnerability.
* Mrs. Trotter as a "rock": Mrs. Trotter is a constant and stable presence in Gilly's life, even when Gilly is rebellious. This metaphor emphasizes Mrs. Trotter's unwavering support and strength.
* The "family" as a "patchwork quilt": Gilly experiences various foster families, each bringing different aspects to her life. This metaphor symbolizes how diverse experiences contribute to forming an individual's identity.
Events and Actions:
* Gilly's attempts to escape as a "bird struggling against a cage": This metaphor illustrates Gilly's desire for freedom and her resistance to being confined.
* Gilly's deception and manipulation as "playing a game": This metaphor suggests that Gilly uses her cunning as a means of control and survival, even if it involves dishonesty.
* Gilly's transformation as a "butterfly emerging from a chrysalis": This metaphor signifies Gilly's growth and change, moving from a hardened shell to a more vulnerable and open state.
Themes:
* The power of love as a "healing balm": This metaphor suggests that love can mend broken hearts and foster growth.
* The importance of belonging as a "safe harbor": This metaphor emphasizes the need for a sense of community and acceptance.
Remember: These are just a few examples, and others may exist. The beauty of metaphors is that they are open to interpretation, allowing each reader to draw their own meaning from the text.