Eileen's Phone

Eileen's phone symbolizes connectivity. Throughout the story, Eileen uses her cell phone or laptop to check social media sites, message her friends and family, and track her location so that she can travel through Dublin. Her phone becomes her way of staying constantly connected to people even when she is not with them – particularly Simon, whom she calls and texts when she needs support from a friend.

Lola's Wedding

Lola's wedding symbolizes tradition. Eileen is not happy for her sister and Matthew when they get engaged, presumably because her own relationship with Aidan had just ended. The story suggests that Eileen is both jealous of her sister for being able to live a more traditional and comfortable life and grateful that she herself has not yet been confined by a goal like marriage.

Catholic Mass

Catholic mass symbolizes cleansing and peace. At the end of...