Gold
Eliza's marriage to Peters transpires against the backdrop of the renowned gold rush. Upon their marriage, the couple sets off for California. Smiley expounds, "In spring, Peter was preparing himself for California, the gold rush, his future wealth." Gold is emblematic of great wealth. To increase the chances of getting it, Peters goes to California because it is where he can find it. Gold is so valuable that coins are made using it and used to pay for various services such as prostitution.
Light
Eliza learns that men like being intimate in light. The light enables them to view the bodies of the prostitutes. Smiley states, "In Eliza's experience, most men preferred light, as they could get her to walk around, or hop around, or even dance around in front of them." Light contributes to the men's pleasure which comes from watching naked prostitutes. Accordingly, the rooms must be well-lighted. Dark rooms would make it impossible for men to view the prostitutes.
Dollars
The payment that the prostitutes get is in the form of dollars. The dollars offer women financial independence. Smiley writes, "Eliza lay quietly, thinking of the two dollars she would receive, wondering if there would be breakfast." Sex is commodified; thus, a prostitute must get paid after offering her services. Back then, two dollars had a greater intrinsic value than now. Therefore, Eliza could comfortably pay for some of her needs using the two dollars. Without the currency, women like Eliza would not be motivated to engage in prostitution.
