The taper

The tallow taper which Lister hides under the bed is symbolic of defiance, and of the secret passion between her and Eliza. Although private lights are “strictly forbidden,” Lister and Eliza operate outside the rules not only of school but of society, in making the Slope their own private domain (55). The “glimmer” of this light source anticipates the figurative spark between them when they become lovers: “As soon as Mrs. Tate walks away [with the lantern], a flint is struck within Eliza and Lister, and joy flares up, illuminating and filling the garret” (56, 218).

The sun hat

The hat which Eliza “has an impulse to buy” is a symbol of the new confidence she feels, with Lister by her side (62). Eliza never goes out without her umbrella, as she was “raised never to let sunlight touch her face,” but now she collapses it and “dangles it...