Journalism

Journalism represents social mobility. It is through his job as a journalist that Duroy becomes acquainted with Parisian high society. Through journalism, he interacts with people of all ranks and fits in everywhere he goes.

Carriage

Carriages represent secrecy in the novel. Georges makes declarations of love to both Mme. de Marelle and Mme. Walter inside their respective carriages. Carriages afford a degree of privacy that is not possible elsewhere in high society.

Clothes

Clothes symbolize status and luxury. In the words of Forestier, “In Paris, it is better to have no bed than no clothes” (21). Similarly, Georges feels uncomfortable in his new expensive clothes because he does not possess the rank befitting them.

Duels

Duels symbolize honor. Jacques Rival, for one, is a “celebrated” duelist (19). That adjective implies that dueling is associated with honor during the Belle Epoque. Similarly, Duroy is called upon to defend...