Melville Heights

The Melville Heights neighborhood is symbolic of status and success. Many of the characters in the novel have admired the neighborhood for years. They long to someday live in Melville Heights, as the area is representative of accomplishment. However, once Joey ends up in Melville Heights, the location only augments her insecurities and entrapment.

Cemetery

The cemetery where Joey visits her mother is symbolic of grief. Although some time has passed since her mother's death, Joey visits her mother's grave regularly and delivers lengthy monologues to her about her life in the present. This recurring setting, therefore, captures and conveys the profound and protracted nature of Joey's sorrow and grief.

Yellow House

The Fitzwilliams' yellow house is symbolic of conflict and unrest. Indeed, the house is the setting where Nicola is murdered. The house is also cold, sparse, and unwelcoming. The house is not only...