Extended Metaphor In 'The Custom House' By Nathaniel Hawthorne
Throughout “The Custom House” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, various analytical devices, such as an extended metaphor, contrast and heavy imagery, are used to demonstrate the inconsistent Us Federal Government. Hawthorne uses an extended metaphor of “the eagle” throughout the passage alluding to the current US Federal Government. The metaphor establishes an overall understand of a complex and unreliable sense to the system. Through the metaphorical eagle, Hawthorne creates a contrast between the motherly “sheltering” side of the eagle to the “fierceness” of the powerful eagle. Establishing this contradictional persona to the eagle, creates, once more, a reluctance to trust the government. Lastly, Hawthorne uses strong imagery of the “nestlings” being