Couch

The couch is a symbol of rationalization. The author’s husband tells everyone, including the author, that he wants to get a divorce because the author bought a couch he did not like. Even though some people accept this poor excuse, the author knows that there is more than just the couch to blame for the breakup.

Apostrophes

Apostrophes are symbols of loss. One of the Duchess’ quotes states: “Tonight in Crooked Path, we’ll all visit our dear ones’ graves and lay wreaths made of apostrophes: the symbol of something missing” (84). Consider the contraction “we’ll” used in this quote. The apostrophe takes the place of the space and letters “wi” that would exist if Duchess had used the two words “we will” that make up the contraction. She takes this idea from grammar as a way to honor lost loved ones.

Evian Bottle

The Evian...