Blackouts/Darkness

Jaya’s recurring blackouts represent her emotional void inside brought on by her miscarriages and the emotional toll of her breakup. The absence is reminiscent of the absence of the children she no longer carries. Her blackouts can also be seen as an extension of the darkness or curse surrounding her family. Amisha left a black hole after her passing; Lena’s life was consumed by darkness in terms of her lack of affection from her surviving parents.

Garden

The garden is a symbol for enlightenment in the novel. Jaya and Stephen have their most intellectually stimulating conversations in the school’s garden, which is lush with beautiful flowers and foliage. The garden is sectioned off from the university, representing an oasis from the outside world. When Jaya saves the garden, she is in effect saving her grandmother’s legacy and contributions to the world...