The Glove
In one of the most famous images from the play, DeFlores secretly shoves his hand quite aggressively into one of the gloves that Beatrice-Joanna drops behind her. This behavior foreshadows his violent fate but also his obsession with getting closer to Beatrice-Joanna and "possessing" her virginity.
Virginity
Throughout the play, characters think that a woman's virginity can be tested and proven. In the case of Beatrice-Joanna, Alsemero uses a "Maid" potion to test the theory, and Diaphanta responds correctly when she gapes, sneezes, laughs, and eventually cries. That one can deduce a woman's virginity through outward image alone is a ludicrous one that highlights the strong desire of male characters to police female sexuality.
Ugliness
DeFlores himself provides a significant amount of imagery to the play, as Beatrice-Joanna spends the first half of the play berating him for his ugly appearance and meek nature. While it is unclear what DeFlores actually looks like – some performances portrayed him as deformed, others as simply unattractive in the traditional sense – the play suggests that his outward appearance is a reflection of his inner morality. Conversely, Beatrice-Joanna conceals her wickedness behind an attractive exterior, emphasizing the play's focus on lying and deceit.
Diamonds
Diamonds appear again and again throughout The Changeling as an emblem of characters' transactional attitudes. In a social world where status and wealth governed one's livelihood, many characters in the play are motivated by the promise of an increase to their station. They often express this desire to climb the social ladder through language related to diamond and jewels, or they seek literal diamonds in their efforts – such as when DeFlores cuts off Alonzo's finger, which wears a diamond ring.
