The Smoking Section

Tristán's insistence that he and Montserrat move to the smoking section is a symbol of both his carelessness and entitlement. Although the waitress informs him that the section is full, Tristán uses his charm and assertiveness to secure seats for them there anyway. He does so in spite of the fact that Montserrat does not like it when he smokes, a clear indication that Tristán's focus tends to be on himself.

Montserrat's Car

The beat-up car that Montserrat drives is a symbol of the fierce way that she clings to her independence. When Tristán asks Montserrat to borrow the car, she becomes extremely defensive, insisting that Tristán should find his own method of transportation. The cautious way she guards this item speaks to the pride Montserrat takes in her self-sufficiency, even as she struggles to earn enough money to...