Gas Mask Boxes

The gas masks are symbols of the threat of war. Even before England declares war against the Nazis, all of the citizens are required to carry gas masks in case a gas bomb is deployed. Martin uses the masks that Grace and Viv have with them when they arrive in London to introduce the reader to the looming possibility of war.

Letter of Recommendation

The letter of recommendation is a symbol both of character and of guilt. Even though Viv fabricates a letter of recommendation to secure a job in a department store right away, Grace refuses to be untruthful. She works six months in Evans’ bookstore to earn a letter. After Evans’ death, Grace finds the letter he wrote for her. He indicates that his shop is in better hands with Grace than in his own. This statement makes Grace feel guilty because...