What metaphors are used in Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse?

The narrative has an underlying metaphor of the American Dream. Rifka's family's journey is in pursuit of their American dream; the idea that in the United States, anyone can succeed regardless of their family background, race, or religion. However, this idea is contradicted and mediated by several harsh truths about the reality of succeeding in America. First of all, Rifka's journey is indicative of what many immigrants went through to reach the United States.