Water Glasses

The glasses of water that Cara drinks during her sessions are symbolic of anxiety. At the start of the novel, Cara tells Lissette that Ángela often accuses her of drowning in a glass of water whenever she cries (35). The recurring images of the water glass therefore harken back to this colloquialism and to the novel's title. The glass of water is representative of the troubles by which Cara feels trapped.

Factory

The factory in which Cara works for several decades is symbolic of stability. Ever since coming to the States, Cara has relied upon her factory job for a sense of monetary and emotional security. Once the factory closes and she loses her job, Cara feels unmoored. The factory closure and the loss of her job both act as inciting events for the narrative.

Alicia the Psychic

Alicia the Psychic is symbolic of hope. Although...