Narrator's Story

The story that the narrator starts writing in Chapter III is symbolic of creativity. For years, the narrator has been unable to write a third novel. However, while at her cabin one day, she is overcome by creative energy. The story invigorates the narrator and reattaches her to her artistic identity.

Cabin

The narrator's lakeside cabin is symbolic of escape. The cabin was originally meant as a writing retreat for the narrator. However, in the narrative present, she uses it as a place to get away with Vladimir. It is therefore a setting the narrator associates with the exacting of one's desires and dreams.

Cigarettes

For the narrator, cigarettes are symbolic of rebellion. In the early chapters of the novel, the narrator gets the urge to smoke although she quit years prior. When she does take up smoking again, she is rebelling against the version...