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Abelard

This name of the protagonist’s family evokes a medieval philosopher and ethicist who promoted women’s learning.

B

Repeatedly described as illuminated, this letter begins several of the important words and names in the text. It connotes good but not superior performance and a lesser but still important level of distinction.

Bee

A winged insect noted as a symbol of hard work and self-sacrificing defense, this kind of creature is associated with grandmotherly figures in the novel.

Goat

The species of a major character in the text, this kind of creature is associated both with nomadic, pastoral life and with the demonic both in popular conception and within the novel.

Hairbrush

This tonsorial accoutrement is typically associated with femininity. That one of the male associates of the protagonist is explicitly commanded against it speaks to prevailing gender norms in the milieu.

Knife

This small weapon is...

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