Describe symbolism in Marriage a la Mode by Katherine Mansfield

Mansfield's primary symbols and images used in "Marriage á la Mode" revolve around food. William brings home a melon and a pineapple for the children; Moira's hat looks like a strawberry; the day's purchases include fish and candy; the friends are depicted around the dinner table, eating voraciously. Overall, these images, such as Bill "stuffing his mouth with bread," imply both the selfishness of Isabel and her friends—for instance, dining on fruit at the expense of the children—as well as their spiritual emptiness. As Isabel says, "We're all starving. William's starving, too." Indeed, they are all hungry for something that cannot be fixed by eating a large meal. Although they do not know it, Isabel and her friends lack a purpose or greater meaning in their lives. William, on the other hand, is hungry for the simple life he and Isabel once shared.