The Diamond Brooch

The diamond brooch Mrs. Harris finds in the gutter symbolizes her moral integrity. The charwoman abides by an interpretive code of ethics that combines the morals of God, Santa Claus, and a policeman, but she always endeavors to be honest and do the right thing. When she finds the expensive diamond pin Mrs. Harris brings it to the police instead of keeping it for herself. She knows that it is morally upright to seek the pin’s owner, instead of pawning it for money to buy a Dior gown.

Geraniums

Mrs. Harris’s geraniums symbolize the charwoman’s perseverance despite the economic challenges she faces throughout the novel. In the same manner that the flowers struggle and succeed to thrive despite the dim light in the basement apartment, Mrs. Harris struggles and succeeds to thrive in the smoggy streets of London. The charwoman craftily...