What metaphors are used in Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey?

Much of the narratve was a metaphor for finding one's place in the world. Menolly is an outcast at Harpers Craft Hall. No female has ever trained to be a Master Harper before. Menolly comes from a place where she was not praised for her talents. Menolly does not understand why so much fuss is made over her musical accomplishments or her ability to survive on her own. In Menolly's mind, she is simply living her life the only way she knows how.