Alice's House

Alice's house symbolizes change. After her release from the hospital, Alice leaves Dublin and moves to this rural setting. While staying at the house, she feels challenged to reconsider her life, and what she wants from it. In much the same way, when Alice, Simon, Felix, and Eileen all spend time here together, the shared space forces them to rethink the way they see and relate to one another.

Felix's Dog

Felix's dog symbolizes intimacy. Though Felix inherits the dog from the previous owners of his house, he immediately falls in love with her. Over the course of the novel, he speaks to the dog in an open and honest manner, sharing things that he does not share with others. When he talks about the dog to Simon, his words appear symbolic of his relationship with Alice.

Alice's Novels

The novels Alice has written symbolize...