Metaphors and Allegory.

Allegory is a device used to present an idea, principle or meaning, which can be presented in literary form, such as a poem or novel, or in visual form, such as in painting or drawing. Allegory communicates its message by means of symbolic figures, actions or symbolic representation. Allegory is generally treated as a figure of rhetoric; a rhetorical allegory is a demonstrative form of representation conveying meaning other than the words that are spoken.

As a literary device, an allegory in its most general sense is an extended metaphor. As an artistic device, an allegory is a visual symbolic representation. An example of a simple visual allegory is the image of the grim reaper. Viewers understand that the image of the grim reaper is a symbolic representation of death.

Allegory is a story with a meaning other than a literal one.

Metaphor is a literary figure of speech that uses an image, story or tangible object to represent a less tangible object or some intangible quality or idea; e.g., "Her eyes were glistening jewels." Metaphor may also be used for any rhetorical figure of speech that achieve their effects via association, comparison or resemblance.

Metaphor is a figure of speech in which term is transferred to something it does not literally apply to.

Sarah Lucas

Sarah Lucas, Au Naturel 1994 Mattress

The mattress has been shown as a couple, this could been see as an old married couple, the bucket representing the woman, having children, all used up and tired, the male still standing tall, all he thinks about is his penis, hens the erect positioning.

There is also the other reason, the female representation could be a hooker, the melons on the mattress high up are perky, as if to be a boob job.

The first reason could well be a feminist view on a married couple, or it could well be the woman abusing her body over the years with sex, without the male with a sex drive, she would have no job.

Sarah Lucas

 Sarah Lucas, "Self-Portrait with Fried Eggs" 1996

The image is a metaphor.

The fired eggs maybe are there to show the masculinity, the abused parts of the female, breast's are a part that the male looks for.

The slouching in the chair may reflect on how a man is, the portrayal of a lazy man, also the floor boards, maybe being a checkers match, being the female playing against the male to achieve and control what needs to be done and what she has to do.