Room 321

Room 321 at the Excelsior is symbolic of fantasy. In this realm, the narrator can inhabit her dreams and imaginary worlds without consequence. The room becomes a retreat from her otherwise banal domestic reality. Furthermore, she has curated it according to her imagination with Claire's help.

Monrovia

Monrovia is symbolic of change. The narrator ends up staying in Monrovia instead of traveling to New York, because her transformation cannot happen in the same way that a man's transformation might happen via the archetypal hero's journey. The place gives her the quiet and stasis that she needs to entertain new experiences and points of view.

Davey's Dance

Davey's dance for the narrator is symbolic of communication. The dance conveys the ineffable emotions that the narrator and Davey feel for one another. It is a form of expression and connection the narrator has not experienced in her other intimate...