Photography

Irina's photography is symbolic of exposure. Irina believes that her transgressive work is a manifestation of her true character. Rather than offering a representation of Irina's empowered self, however, her photography exposes the truth of her insecurities, hurts, and longings.

Camera

To Irina, her camera is a symbol of power. She believes that she can use the camera to dominate and subjugate others. However, the camera is only granting her an illusory sense of power, in that it is an object behind which she is in fact hiding her insecurities and fears.

Archive

Irina's artistic archive is symbolic of the past. Throughout the novel, Irina gradually sorts through her old work in search of photos to send to Jamie. In so doing, she is compelled into her past life. The archive effectively tugs her into her memories and challenges her to face who she has been...