1. "The woods were dark and the wind was cold, but the fire burned brightly, and the two men, seated on the rough-hewn logs that served them as chairs, were at peace."
* Metaphor: The fire is a metaphor for peace and unity.
* Explanation: While the surrounding environment is hostile, the fire represents a shared moment of peace and comfort between Ulrich and Georg. This is a powerful symbol because it shows that even amidst conflict and hostility, human connection can still find warmth.
2. "They had been boys together; they had been playmates once, before the feud had grown up between their families."
* Metaphor: The "feud" is a metaphor for the ongoing conflict and division between the families.
* Explanation: The feud, though unspoken, is the underlying force driving the story. It is presented as a pervasive and enduring entity, like a living organism, that has poisoned the relationship between the two men and their families for generations.
Let me know if you'd like to explore other metaphors or symbols in the story!