The Ocean

While referred to only glancingly in the narrative, and only on a couple of occasions, the ocean represents the rhythms of nature, as well as the ebb and flow of feeling. There are also references to the constancy of its sound, which can be seen as echoing the constancy of the feelings about sex and sexuality with which Edward and Florence both struggle. Finally, there is the implication that the ocean, in its vastness, represents the vastness and expanse of opportunity that awaits both Edward and Florence at this turning point in both their lives and the socio-political history of the country (England) in which they live.

The Beach

The fact that the beach is a shingle beach (one made up of small rocks and pebbles, as opposed to sand) lends to its role of metaphorically evoking the challenges associated with the journey towards understanding...