Brass Bed

The brass bed is a symbol of illicit sex. Stan’s parents’ bedroom featured a brass bed. When Stan was a boy, he loved to go into the room and smell his mother’s pillow. Lilith later accuses Stan of desiring sex with his mother. Stan’s guilt when he thinks about smelling his mother’s pillow seems to confirm this accusation. This is one of the instances in which the brass bed symbols illicit sex.

When Stan has sex with Zeena for the first time, the brass bed reminds Stan of the bed in his parents’ room. This suggests he is equating Zeena with his mother. Since Zeena is married, he is committing another form of illicit sex.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a symbol of weakness and fear. Stan begins to become acquainted with the dangers of alcohol when Hoately tells him men agree to...