Philadelphia Train Station

In Chapter 1, after Serena and James spend the afternoon with James's parents, they return to the Philadelphia train station in order to catch the train back to Baltimore. Because Serena is unaccustomed to traveling, and because the visit to Pennsylvania has tried her, the station makes Serena feel anxious. The ornate space and its relentless energy amplify Serena's already tenuous state of mind.

While waiting for their train, Serena and James encounter Serena's cousin, Nicholas. Their conversation with him, inspires James's many questions about Serena's family dynamic. James thinks that Serena and Nicholas's estrangement is evidence of Serena's family's dark past. This hypothesis insights an argument between the young couple on the way home.

Deep Creek Lake

In Chapter 2, the Garrett family takes their first family vacation in 1959. They travel to Deep Creek Lake to spend a week at a summer house. Although the trip is...