What metaphors are used in The News from Paraguay by Lily Tuck?

Although the mid-1800s, especially in South America, is not the most gentle time in history, Franco still stands out as a very sadistic individual. Many of his traits are passed on from his father, and he in turn passes them on to his son. Franco has many incidents in his formative years that might have led to his behavior. He punishes a dog that looks similar to a dog that bit him as a child. It would seem that Franco's heritage becomes a metaphor for violence.