Shadows

Shadows represent dread and premonition of death. Throughout the course of the novel, Casati describes in detail shadows creeping into the setting. She also describes Clytemnestra having a sense of dread she does not understand. This occurs before Clytemnestra's family is killed and foreshadows their deaths.

Flowers

Flowers represent hope. From the beginning of the novel, when the princesses are young and think about their futures with hope, Castati describes flowers. These hopeful and happy moments often take place outside in fields with flowers. The element of the girls' youth, as well as their conversations surrounding their hope for the future, shows that flowers are tied to hope.

Forest

The forest represents survival. Aegisthus' exile takes place in the forest, where he lives off the land and fights for survival. His survival is dependent on the forest and represents his ability to live after a violent...