Miscarriage, “White Dancing Elephants”

In “White Dancing Elephants,” the narrator’s miscarriage symbolizes the pain of loss. The narrator has a deep desire to be a parent, and when she suffers a miscarriage, she mourns not only the unborn child, but also the potential loss of her chance to be a parent.

Affair, “Talinda”

Narika and George’s affair in “Talinda” symbolizes the pain of conflicting desires. Narika loves George, but George’s wife Talinda is Narika’s oldest friend. Narika feels a deep sense of guilt while carrying on the affair as she is also acting as emotional support for the terminally ill Talinda.

Shaker Chair, “A Shaker Chair”

In “A Shaker Chair,” the titular Shaker chair symbolizes respect and loyalty, which are breached by the end of the story. Maya posts an online video of herself having sex with Sylvia’s married father in the...