Insects

Insects, the central symbol of the story, represent the potential of finding beauty and meaning in unexpected places. The woman originally views insects with typical disgust and revulsion, but she soon becomes fascinated with their anatomy and physiology. She finds their physical forms and biological functions to be very orderly and representative of a profound, even divine sense of meaning.

French Book

The French book symbolizes the necessity of curiosity and study in the formation of new perspectives on life. The insect handbook, which is written in French, was originally given to the woman by a friend due to “the fun of reading about worms in such an elegant tongue” (165). However, as the woman becomes truly fascinated with insects, she earnestly believes in the aptness of this union between insects and beauty.

Chores

Chores symbolize fear, anxiety, and the restrictiveness of domestic life. The woman appears...