The Yale Club

The Yale Club symbolizes Anson’s need to have a sanctuary. Throughout the story, Anson has multiple relationships that fail. Whenever his relationships fail, or when he suffers any other negative situations, he always returns to the Yale Club, because it houses a social community in which he is welcome.

The Old Man with Watery Eyes

The old man that Anson sees sitting alone in one of the old clubs at which he used to spend time symbolizes Anson’s fear of living a lonely life. Anson recoils when he sees the man, so it can be argued that he sees his future in the old man, and he is fearful of it.

Anson's Drinking

Anson’s drinking habit represents his lack of regard for his future. When Anson is young and in various romantic relationships, his drinking habit is at its peak. However...