Pandora’s Box

One of the main themes of the novel is that of the fabled Pandora’s box, the idea that one event or action can set in motion a string of bad, unavoidable repercussions. Although it appears the letter that Cecilia finds written by her husband is the original “Pandora’s box” there are several other circumstances in the novel that seem to lead up to the tragic ending.

The letter appears to be the main “box” that sets into motion the evil in Cecilia's life. Before she read the letter, she had no idea her husband had ever committed a crime, much less that he thought he had committed murder. His confession turns everything Cecilia thought about herself, her life, and her family upside down. Although it was John-Paul who believes he committed a murder, Cecilia feels responsible for the knowledge once she learns...