What metaphors are used in The Relic by Lincoln Child?

Ambition is an underlying metaphor in the story. The novel is set in a museum filled with students and scientist who want to make a name for themselves. The main characters of this book are these same students and scientists. Margo Green is a student on the verge of finishing her dissertation, hoping someday to become a tenured professor somewhere like her adviser, Dr. Frock. Gregory Kawakita is a fellow student who has his eye on the directorship of the entire museum. The current director only wants to make history for himself, to become someone who will be remembered fondly long after his death. Dr. Ian Cuthbert hopes to replace the current director someday.