Castle Symbol
The tumbling and ramshackle castle becomes a symbol of the family's eccentricity, as their lives also seem to be somewhat ramshackle and disorganized as well. They are living in the country home of the gentry yet they are struggling to make ends meet and are fighting against poverty.
Castle Symbol
To Rose, the castle is a symbol of her own calling, which is to be a heroine from a Jane Austen novel, as she is classically beautiful and striking, and wants to wait in one of the turret rooms until a handsome and wealthy man comes along. The castle is also a symbol to Rose of her true calling in life, which is to be rich and live like royalty.
Journal Symbol
Cassandra's journal is a symbol of her own literary ambitions. She has never written anything other than her journal but believes that it symbolizes her desire to hone her craft and become more observant so that she can write better.
Topaz's Name Symbol
Topaz is an exotic stone and this symbolizes the exotic nature of Topaz Mortmain, an artist's model, who spends a lot of time nude and likes to dance outdoors wearing only a pair of boots.
Jane Austen Allegory
Although the novel does not allegorize one specific Austen novel, the plot is decidedly allegorical of Austen in its plot structure and character development. As in many Austen novels, the protagonist is a strong young woman falling in love against her own wishes; the Mortmain daughters are poor, yet genteel, and are intent upon marrying a man who can help improve their financial situations. Rose feels that her own life should be allegorical of an Austen character.
