Son

Elizabeth’s son John symbolizes the difficult relationship she has with her legacy as a writer.

Belief System

Elizabeth’s lack of a belief system symbolizes her self-doubt and inability to come to terms with what she may or may not believe.

Lectures

The lectures symbolize the distance Elizabeth keeps from others, including herself. This is seen in her inability to commit to what she thinks, understands, and believes.

Cruise Ship

The cruise ship symbolizes Elizabeth’s journey through the novel. She is in perpetual motion, traveling to different locations.

Bridge

The bridge at the opening of the novel symbolizes how Elizabeth ends her journey in a purgatory-like setting. She is in a perpetual state of attempting to cross.

The Award

The award Elizabeth receives in the beginning of the novel symbolizes how her notable accomplishments are behind her. The novel moves her away from her...