Gilles Principaux

Gilles Principaux's character is symbolic of trauma. His reappearance in Maître's life indeed triggers her traumatic memories. He manifests Maître's childhood pain and suffering, and challenges her to acknowledge the abuse she suffered in order to overcome it.

Marriage Certificate

Sharon's marriage certificate is symbolic of power. Throughout the novel, Maître constantly pesters Sharon about procuring the document. She does so as a way to assert her authority over Sharon. Later, Sharon reveals that her brother is holding the certificate hostage to punish her for leaving France and to compel her to return home.

Caudéran

Bordeaux's Caudéran neighborhood is symbolic of the past. This is the area in which the Principaux family once lived. After Gilles Principaux resurfaces in Maître's life, therefore, she returns to Caudéran in pursuit of answers. She is trying to regain access to the...