To identify what is going on in the story and to understand the plot alot easier
In lines 140-150, what hasn't changed is that the father still switches off the electricity generator at 10 p.m. and goes to sleep in his study. The expression "as was custom" marks that this has not changed.
The language that shows that the father is changing can be found in lines 141, 173 and 175-176:
In line 141 we learn that he does not use certain rooms ("rooms we'd stopped using").
In line 173 we read that the father "seemed lighter" and chatted with his son.
In lines 175-176 the father says that "now he might be able to come to the end-of-the-year recital" at his child's school.
I will buy the clothes tomorrow
Are you asking for which ones are metaphors ??
If so...
The building was a maze
The sidewalk could fry an egg
Her eyes drilled into my face
The company is buried in work.
Those are all metaphors the others are literal
Answer:
I think it's they are attempting to play music