Didion uses extended metaphors at the beginning of her essay by comparing New York to a imaginary places (a mirage, Xanadu) B real places (a zoo, London) C her hometown or D a factory with everyone doing his part
For the author, New York was more than just a mere city. She says that it is an infinitely romantic place with love and money and power. She compares New York to Xanadu, an imaginary place, because that is what most people think how New York.
She says people regard New York as a place of great and magnificent beauty when in reality it is tougher and harder than it looks. It has its own tragedy and hardships.
