The symbolism of the modern woman
Maggie is a symbol of a modern woman. The modern woman is educated and free to make independent decisions and choose her preferred career. Maggie is doing her Ph.D. after completing her postgraduate studies. Throughout the text, the reader sees Maggie as an independent woman in the contemporary world whose decisions and choices are not influenced by men.
Despondency
Maggie's miserable life symbolizes hopelessness. After divorcing her husband, Jon, Maggie is shocked to face the harsh reality of life. Maggie's marriage only lasts 608 days, and she divorces her husband at 29. At the prime age when Maggie should enjoy her marriage, she chooses to divorce her husband to have the freedom to do whatever she wants, which is a paradox. Maggie runs into depression after her bank accounts dwindle, and she finds it very difficult to sustain her life. The reader learns that Maggie goes to the extent of ordering dog food at 4 in the morning to sustain herself.
Betrayal
Maggie's devoted friends symbolize betrayal. After Maggie divorces her husband, she joins other recently divorced women like Merris. At first, Maggie considers her new crop of friends as loyalists who can always stand by her. However, When Maggie becomes broke and suffers depression, her friends betray her by distancing themselves because they argue that Maggie has become a burden to them.
