The Underground

The underground is the setting that opens the book, where Nell receives Peter’s message that he will not be going to Paris. Located literally underground, it represents the depths of Nell’s problems and constraints at the beginning of the book.

Gare du Nord

Gare du Nord is the train station where Nell emerges upon arriving at Paris, the “pickpocketing center of the world” (10). There, she meets with people pushing one another, youths in tracksuits, glass kiosks and escalators that seem to lead nowhere. The loudspeaker has a three-note chime. The hustle and bustle of this station represent the turmoil Nell is feeling upon being stood up by Peter.

Brightsea Lodge

Brightsea Lodge is where the annual girls’ weekend takes place. The outside is described as cracked and faded, and the inside smells like aftershave and alcohol. Lacking the charm and beauty of the Paris hotel...