Archie's Manuscript

Archie's manuscript is symbolic of envy. In his account, Archie portrays himself as the docile, sane, and dependable companion. He characterizes Bella as an unwieldy and otherworldly pixie, and Baxter as an idiosyncratic and antisocial mad scientist. His renderings of their life together at Park Circus reveal his desperation for attention, recognition, and love. Because he envied Bella and Baxter's relationship and accomplishments, he rewrites their story together to alter how others remember him.

Archie's Pin

The pin that Archie gives Bella when he proposes to her is symbolic of ownership. Archie is always pleased to hear that Bella is still wearing his pin, because it is his way of laying claim to her. Indeed, Archie ends his story of Bella when he and Bella marry, because like Blessington, he sees her as a prize.

Bella's Letters

Bella's letters symbolize autonomy. The letters grant the...