The Balcony

The balcony symbolizes alternative lives. Whenever the characters are on the balcony, they look out at the boats and discuss the world beyond the villa. For Milly, the balcony comes to be her only attachment to the outside world. It inspires her to think about traveling to America and reclaiming her autonomy from her mother.

Miss Anderson's Newspaper

Miss Anderson's Newspaper symbolizes detachment. To underscore the extent to which the women in the villa are isolated from the rest of the world, the narrator notes that the newspaper Miss Anderson reads is five weeks old. In this humorous realization, Miss Anderson's attempts to connect with current events are fruitless, suggesting that the villa keeps the English women insulated from the rest of society.

Gorgonzola Cheese

The gorgonzola cheese that Yvonne prepares symbolizes indulgence. Normally, Yvonne would prepare only bland and sparse meals for the three...