Barbara began to imagine the pretty girls working in Derry and Toms as beautiful tropical fish in a tank, swimming up and down, up and down, in serene disappointment, with nowhere to go and nothing to see that they hadn't seen a million times before.
In "Funny Girl," Barbara envisions the attractive girls at Derry and Toms as beautiful tropical fish trapped in a tank. This metaphor illustrates her perception of their lives as monotonous and unfulfilling, highlighting a sense of serene disappointment. They exist in a confined space, swimming aimlessly, suggesting that despite their beauty, they have limited opportunities and experiences. This reflects Barbara's own feelings of entrapment within a repetitive cycle.
The imagery of the girls as fish emphasizes the contrast between beauty and stagnation. It evokes a yearning for freedom and exploration beyond their current circumstances. Barbara's thoughts reveal a deeper commentary on societal expectations and the struggle for individuality, as these girls seem to be caught in a routine that offers little in terms of personal growth or adventure. Thus, Barbara's imagination serves as a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by women in pursuing their dreams.
