What does the doll’s house symbolize in the selection?

The doll's house at the center of the story is a symbol of social privilege. Gifted by a wealthy guest at the Burnells' home, the doll's house further elevates the Burnell girls' already high social status at their mixed-income school. Isabel uses the doll's house to create an aura of fame and importance around herself, which her mother furthers by only allowing two girls to see the house at a time. Isabel extends her privilege to the people she selects by giving them the privilege of seeing the house. Eventually, every girl except the Kelveys has seen the doll's house, thereby cementing their underprivileged social status.