Bandana Beach House

In "A Woman's Hand," Clem Dowson's house at Bandana Beach is symbolic of freedom. Although Evelyn disdains the house's humble appearance and structure, Harold envies the house. He also envies the life that Clem has been able to shape independently in this place. By the story's end, however, the house disappears after Clem dies, illustrating that Clem's freedom was tenuous.

Evelyn's Pearls

In "A Woman's Hand," Evelyn's string of pearls is symbolic of convention. In a burst of frustration, Harold grabs the necklace and snaps it off of Evelyn's neck. This unexpected action conveys Harold's frustration with his entrapping circumstances. However, the couple quickly jumps to their knees to recover the scattered pearls, conveying their desperation to restore their neat, orderly marital dynamic.

Rice

In "The Full Belly," the bowl of rice that Costa Iordanou steals from the church is symbolic of desperation. Costa...