What metaphors are used in Lost in the City: Stories by Edward P. Jones?

Metaphorically, Betsey's experience with the pigeons is presented with non-linear chronology. Her pigeon-raising activities occur from late 1957 through 1961. The pigeons are symbolic of several aspects of maturation and change. They can be viewed as the Morgan family itself where the destruction of the pigeons represents the death of Clara and the pain experienced by Robert. The two surviving pigeons represent Betsy Ann and Robert. The pigeons can be viewed as a symbol of Betsy Ann's adolescent innocence obtained at around eleven and lost at around age fifteen. Reaching the age of fifteen also marks the beginning of the end of her innocence.