Education

Education, in the form of both learning from books and in the form of learning other things about life from other sources (i.e. experience) represents growing up, and maturation. It is a key component of the book's central thematic experience of maturation, or coming of age.

Clothes

For many of the characters, at least in Regina's perceptions of them and commentary on them, clothes are fundamental expressions of identity. Regina, in her narration, frequently goes into considerable detail about what the characters are wearing, including herself. These outfits become masks, armor, representations of inner desire, or manifestations of inner attitudes.

The Telephone

In much of the novel, the telephone is representative of fundamental connections, or communications, between characters. It is the means by which they reach for each other, and connect with each other. It is essential to note that the first part of the...