Sweat

Maya's sweat plays a prominent part throughout the novel, symbolizing her body's struggles with substance abuse. Maya sweats profusely when she is suffering from withdrawals, and the smell is something she is preoccupied with. When Maya overloads on drugs and forces more than her body can handle, it responds with large amounts of sweat, which is damning for her socially and physically. The sweat also puts her in precarious social situations, such as when she is at work or at Peter's parents house.

Maya's Apartment

Maya's apartment serves as the den of her addiction, acting as a larger version of her body. Within this space, she neglects herself and engages in harmful physical and emotional behavior. Just as her body acts as a reminder of personal failure, the apartment does the same, first reminding her of the boring marriage with Peter and then her own cycle...