What does Vomit represent?

Vomit represents the expulsion of pain and disgust. There are several times in the novel where Evelyn vomits. She does so after the first time Hawkins assaults her, as well as after the first time Hawkins comes to Mercy House. The other times that Evelyn vomits are alcohol related. Sometimes she must expel her drink. Other times it happens while she is being nursed to sobriety by Josephine and Evelyn. Vomiting is a reaction to illness, as well as to severe stress. By vomiting, Evelyn’s body is physically rejecting the mental horrors that she lives through.