Parking Spot

The parking spot in the lot that Charlie gets at the beginning of the novel is a symbol of status and prestige in the neighborhood, as only a finite number of spots are available. The neighborhood itself is extremely exclusive, and Charlie feels that in getting the parking spot, he has officially become a true resident of the dead-end street. The parking spot is particularly important to Charlie because he has a fragile ego and wounded pride in general, so a small "win" like this makes him feel special.

Charlie's Volvo

The Nolans' Volvo is a symbol of the adherence to conformity that permeates every aspect of their lives on the dead-end block. "It was a car like their life," Nora explains, "prosperous, understated, orderly--no food wrappers, no baby seats, no coins or crumbs on the floor. When the lease on the car was up...