Fog

The fog is a symbol of blindness. There are several points in the novel in which Ahmed describes the heavy fog that settles over the city of San Francisco. The fog makes it difficult to see. In a metaphorical sense, people are living in a fog when they are unable to understand why others behave the way they do. For instance, Tahera and Seema seem to see one another through a fog.

Intrauterine Device

Seema’s intrauterine device represents choice. Seema chose to have this device removed before she went to Bill one last time to say goodbye. Seema had sexual relations with Bill even though she knew that she was not protected against pregnancy. Ishraaq suggests that perhaps his mother unconsciously wanted a chance to have a baby. Her decision to remove the IUD was a result of an unconscious desire.

Hijab and Jilbab

The...