The symbolism of desperation and hopelessness
Desperation and hopelessness in the text are symbolized by Cecilia's habits involving partying and making senseless trips. The reader learns that Cecilia is a young widow because her husband, Henry, died in a tragic accident. Consequently, Cecilia is still in pain, and she resolves to attending several parties and attending various trips as a consolation.
The symbolism of women independence
The author figuratively uses the two protagonists, Cecilia and Emmeline, as symbols of women's independence. The author explores the life of Cecilia, who, after being widowed, has the freedom of attending parties, dinners, and expensive trips without limitations. On the other hand, Emmeline is an independent woman who owns a traveling agency company, and she loves her career. Therefore, the role of these two women has not been restricted to doing domestic work as opposed to the expectations of the culture and other traditions requirements guiding a woman.
The symbolism of pain and trauma
Death is mentioned throughout the book, and it symbolizes pain and trauma. Things have never been the same again for Cecilia after the abrupt demise of her husband, Henry. Cecilia is mourning, and she has decided to be a party girl who attends every dinner and trip to forget her pain. The death of Henry also hurts Emmeline because the pain of losing a brother still bothers her.
Cecilia as a symbol of faithfulness
Cecilia is a symbol of true love, and she illustrates this when she ignores Markie’s sexual advances. Cecilia meets Markie on the train when she is coming from her trip. Markie strikes a conversation with Cecilia, and he confesses that she is gorgeous. When Markie asks Cecilia for a sexual relationship, she distances herself because she still loves her late husband, and she is not ready to move on with another man.
The blindness of love
The blindness of love is embodied when Emmeline first meets Markie. The reader learns that Emmeline has always been living in Cecilia's shadow, and she completely knows nothing about love relationships with men. Since love is blind, Emmeline madly falls into Markie’s traps and charms. As a consequence, Emmeline refuses to see any red flags and warnings from Cecilia. Emmeline decides to give the whole of her heart to Markie and allows him to control her body. At last, Emmeline ends up making foolish mistakes because love is blind.
