Hollywood

Before Evelyn moves there, Hollywood represents the epitome of glamour and happiness, and also serves as a symbol of her mother, who always wished to live there. Evelyn is willing to trade her virginity to Ernie Diaz for a ride to Hollywood, "where the sun always shines" and where "the good guys win and the bad guys lose" (45). Of course, throughout Evelyn's career, she learns that Hollywood can actually be a corrupting environment, particularly once one has a taste for fame and power.

Evelyn's "miscarriage"

Evelyn's miscarriage ruse intended to fool the gossip magazines is a symbol of her growing shrewdness and her ability to employ duplicity to maintain her status. Evelyn knows that she will be viewed harshly if it is believed that she will not have Don's baby, but she will be viewed with sympathy if people believe she cannot have his baby. The...