Stove

Early in the novel, Joana is compared to a stove because, while she is not dangerous or intimidating on the surface, she carries the capability to deliver great damage through her "burning" personality. As the narration describes her: "Why was she so burning and light, like the air that comes from a stove whose lid has lifted?" (13).

Room

Joana internally compares her marriage with Otávio to a room, because she feels entrapped in her marriage, just as one is surrounded on all sides by the walls of a room. As the narration describes this symbol: "Besides: how could she tie herself to a man without allowing him to imprison her? How could she prevent him from developing his four walls over her body and soul?" (23). This perspective on marriage informs Joana's sudden comfort in allowing Otávio to be with Lídia.

Viper

Joana's aunt...