Describe symbolism in Debbie and Julie by Doris Lessing

Lessing uses dirt and cleanliness to symbolize different things for different people. Julie thinks about the way in which her post-labor bleeding her mother's well cared for "fluffy pink towels", which are directly contrasted with the towels she takes from Debbie's apartment when she's leaving, knowing that she's going to bleed all over them. Debbie works in a "dirty" profession; Julie is in a compromised (dirty) situation.

Order and cleanliness, on the other hand, symbolize the life Julie knew growing up.... respectability, tidiness, rigidity. The organization of Len and Anne's home is contrasted with Debbie's apartment, as well as the filthy shed in which Julie gives birth.