The Aspern Letters

The Aspern letters symbolize unhealthy obsession. The narrator is so obsessed with obtaining the letters that he loses sight of all moral scruples. Additionally, Juliana is so obsessed with the letters as a connection to her past that she neglects her life in the present and leads a generally lonely and desolate existence.

The House

The Bordereaus’ house symbolizes emotional ruin. The Bordereaus’ house is described as palatial but neglected, as the Bordereaus’ make no provisions for its upkeep. Juliana’s habits of reclusion and neglect seem to be rooted in emotional trauma or tragedy, likely caused by the death of Jeffrey Aspern. Thus, the house’s state may reflect her own internal desolation.

The Green Shade

The green shade symbolizes Juliana’s inability to let go of the past. Juliana always wears a green shade or other covering over her eyes. Tita says...