In literature, figurative language helps to illustrate themes and arguments in ways that normal text cannot portray alone. Brian Doyle perfectly interprets his main themes about life in his short story, Joyas Volardores, through the use of metaphors. Doyle uses metaphors about hearts to explain the importance of life and love to an individual in society. Through the use of figurative language and the references of particular animals, the author analyzes the various styles of life and the differing values that coincide with each style. Doyle also exposes the power of the human heart and the alternate, delicate side of the heart that hides within us all.

The heart of a hummingbird beats vigorously at ten beats per second. In a non-stop motion, the energized little heart constantly works to keep the tiny bird alive and well. All throughout the entire life of the hummingbird, its heart never ceases to stop until the moment its time has passed. On the contrary, the tortoise shows us that there is another, vastly different way of life that one could live. Tortoises, giant and gentle creatures that they are, move through life slowly, soaking up every moment. Their slow heart carries them and their conservative bodies along for up to 200 years. In Brian Doyle’s, Joyas Volardores, Doyle presents two metaphors about hummingbirds and tortoises. He believes that every living thing has about two billion heartbeats in a single lifetime. Hummingbirds have a heart that beats at unthinkable speeds, while the tortoise’s rhythm is slow and controlled. These two specific organisms live two extremely different lives. As Doyle’s theory of two billion beats correlates to people, those who live like the hummingbird in rapid, busy, and non-stop motion, have a very short life. On the other hand, anyone living like the tortoise in long lasting and conservative ways, will live for a very long time. Doyle explains, “The price of ambition is a life closer to death,” (95). The people who rush through life will use up their heartbeats much faster than someone who takes their time with a calmer approach. As Doyle continues on, he makes clear that in no way is any style of life better than the other. No matter how one lives their life, he believes that it is important to remember one key point. Whether a life lasts ten years or ten decades, it is important to make the most from each and every heartbeat. On Earth, us humans are fortunate to be given the chance to experience the many extraordinary things in this world. As the cliché acronym ‘YOLO’ states, humanity is only given the opportunity to live our life just once. Therefore, it is imperative to enjoy life, experience deeply, and avoid wasting any valuable time. The gift of life is priceless, and however one wishes to spend it need not matter, as long as it is spent purposefully and with pride. Brian Doyle not only uses figurative language to illustrate the importance of life, but also to show how all people love.

The giant blue whale, the largest organism alive, has the biggest heart on planet Earth. In comparison to the hummingbird, whose heart is the size of a pencil’s eraser, the heart of a blue whale is the size of a small room. Needless to say, the largest of animals on Earth very much knows how to love. These creatures always travel in pairs and are known to have intense cries and yearning calls, of which they use when separated from their partners. In Joyas Volardores, Doyle compares the nature of blue whales to all people on Earth. He uses the whales to show how there is love in all life. Doyle states that it is impossible to not feel because, “We all churn inside,” (96). It is human nature to feel some form of love towards other beings not matter what situation comes along. All people are individuals that possess a home within their heart. Although all individuals live alone, humans open up our hearts to let people in, and connect with others amongst society, just as the blue whales do with each other. To achieve the most out of our time here on Earth, humanity must use the power of our hearts to connect with others. It is vital for humans to use our hearts to gain the complete experience of life, and to ensure they make the most of every single heartbeat.

The heart may be one of the most powerful structures known to man, but at the same time, can also be one of the most delicate of things. Brian Doyle analyzes the configuration of the heart through a metaphor about a brick wall. He explains how people in society will the build up a wall around their heart to protect from all things adverse. As people open their hearts up to others, they often come face to face with heartbreak. Doyle points out that, “There is so much held in a heart in a lifetime,” (96). He is suggesting that there are many different things going on at once within a person’s life. Some of these instances can leave a heavier tax on an individual than normal. For protection against any future pain, society often builds up protection around their heart through isolation. Despite the initial strength of the human heart, the constructed wall may eventually fall from things as simple as a cat with a broken spine or the memory of a father’s voice. There are many things that can lead to heartbreak in this world. Doyle is expressing that it is crucial for people to take care of themselves. The human heart is a very precious thing that society must attempt to preserve and protect. To live a healthy and happy life, people must take care of what makes them the unique and powerful person that they are in this world. 

In conclusion, Brian Doyle uses metaphors about hearts to illustrate how life and love are vital to individuals in society. His uses of figurative language featuring hummingbirds and tortoises help to explain the differing styles of life. Doyle also references blue whales to explain the power of love and to reveal the hidden, delicate side of the heart. He expresses the importance of living life to the fullest potential. A person’s time here on Earth is limited by the number of times their heart beats. Doyle strongly believed that it was very important for one to enjoy every moment of their life. Society is gifted with the opportunity to live and be the unique individuals that they were destined to be. All throughout Joyas Volardores, Brian Doyle stresses the importance of using the time one is given, to their maximum potential, in God’s greatest gift called life.