Brussels Train

In "Wednesday's Child," Rosalie takes a train from Amsterdam to Brussels. The train is therefore the primary setting of the short story. This setting is important to understanding Rosalie's internal experience. Indeed, the train functions as a symbol of Rosalie's ongoing journey out of her grief. Throughout the short story, Rosalie rides the train, observes her fellow passengers, and writes in her notebook. The movement of the train parallels Rosalie's internal reflections and evolutions. The train grants Rosalie a quiet space removed from her usual reality within which she might remember her past and process her daughter's death.

Chanel's House

In "A Sheltered Woman," Auntie Mei comes to live with her new client Chanel after Chanel has her baby. Throughout the short story, Auntie Mei is situated at the house. She initially does not like Chanel or her husband and has no plans of staying with the...