* The Jaunt itself is a metaphor for death. The story describes the process as a "teleportation" but it is clear that it is something more than just moving from one place to another. The characters experience a "death" of their physical bodies and a kind of "rebirth" on the other side. This parallels the fear of death itself, the uncertainty of what happens after, and the potential for things to go wrong.
* The "black box" is a metaphor for the limitations of human understanding. The characters are told the process of the Jaunt is unknown and they are warned not to think about it too much. This represents the unknown, the vastness of the universe, and the limitations of human knowledge. The box symbolizes the unknown, something we can't fully understand or control.
* The children's reactions are metaphors for the different ways we cope with fear. The story explores how different people deal with anxiety. The young girl, who desperately wants to see her grandfather, faces her fear head-on, while the young boy panics and becomes withdrawn. This demonstrates the range of human reactions to fear and uncertainty.
* The story as a whole can be seen as a metaphor for the dangers of technological advancement. While the Jaunt offers the promise of faster travel, it comes with unknown risks. This is a commentary on the potential dangers of technology and the need to be careful about what we create.
These are just a few examples of how metaphor is used in "The Jaunt". By employing these literary devices, Stephen King creates a sense of unease and suspense, prompting the reader to reflect on the nature of fear, the limits of human knowledge, and the potential consequences of technological advancements.