Pimples

Pimples represent imperfection. Pimples appear on the faces of characters in various stories including “Malibu” and “The Locked Room.” The narrator in “Malibu” suggests that pimples are imperfections when he argues that he is attractive despite his pimples. In “The Locked Room,” Takashi’s face is covered with scabs where he has picked at and squeezed his pimples.

Letter of Resignation

The letter of resignation represents sabotage. It appears in the story “Bettering Myself.” Because Miss Mooney's ex-husband has offered her extra money, she does not have to work at the job she does not like to make a living any longer. Miss Mooney sabotages her own opportunity for happiness when she tears up this letter of resignation instead of handing it in on another day when the school where she teaches is open.

Yellow Sports Jacket

The yellow sports jacket in “The Weirdos” represents false...