Heidi

Heidi symbolizes all of Paul's past and potential romantic relationships. Heidi bears marked similarities to Paul's previous relationships: like Nanni, there is an age difference between them; like Manfred, Heidi is the subject of Paul's fantasies; and finally, like Chloe, Heidi and Paul communicate over e-mail, only meeting in a specific place. Conversely, Heidi symbolizes all of Paul's potential relationships: she is his last attempt at "another go" at love (266). After Heidi rejects Paul, Paul is forced to forgo all these past and future relationships. Instead, he settles into his married life with Claire. By failing to realize a relationship with Heidi, Paul accepts that he will never have another affair, and that his era of romantic relationships has ended.

The Antique Box

The antique box -- found in the cabinet Nanni and Paul work on together -- symbolizes Paul's friendship and secret attraction toward Nanni...