The Villa

The villa in which the English women live is located in the French Riviera. The story does not specify how long they have been there, but suggests that it has been quite a while as Mother and Milly stand on the balcony observing the flowers "for the five hundredth time" (1). The villa is spacious and beautiful, full of antique treasures and furniture. For Mother, the villa is a safe place she never wishes to leave. For Milly, the villa is suffocating and debilitating, as she secretly wishes to travel and experience life beyond the idyllic scenery of the Riviera. When Mr. Prodger comes to the villa, all of the female characters are inspired to start thinking differently about their lives beyond the villa's walls.

England

The three women who stay at the villa are all English women. The story is interested in drawing contrast between the English...