Describe symbolism in The Sea, the Sea by Iris Murdoch

The vase is the second of the two objects left behind in Shruff End. In its exotic ugliness, the vase represents the equal ugliness of Charles' attitude towards and treatment of women, which means that when it shatters it too is a simultaneous foreshadowing and symbol. In this case, it represents the way Charles learns he can no longer control and manipulate women in the ugly way he did before.