Heartbeat

The heartbeat of the epigraph symbolizes the connection that women share with their maternal lineage. More specifically, it represents the unique bond that forms between a mother and the biological child she carries. This connection is part of a long chain of mothers and daughters that result, in this case, in Violet’s birth. Mother’s thus carry both the biological and social influences that trickle down from all the maternal figures in their lineage. The heartbeat symbol explains why Etta and Cecilia’s stories are pertinent to Blythe’s and the relationship she shares with her daughter in her first iteration of motherhood.

Writing

Writing symbolizes Blythe’s identity. It symbolizes her ambition, intelligence, and level of education and dedication to her craft. After Violet’s birth, writing is the act recommended for her to return to a sense of normalcy and interest. But it...