Curly hair

Lucie's curly hair symbolizes her tendency to be self-conscious and doubt her decisions in the novel. She worries that others will look down on her for how she chooses to do her hair or style her outfits in the exclusive wedding cohort.

Ocean

The ocean symbolizes freedom and calm within the novel. Lucie finds herself drawn back to the ocean throughout the entire vacation because she is free of family obligations and able to relax.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a symbol of the rare lightheartedness enjoyed by the wedding guests, members of the ultra-rich class. They are often preoccupied with the perceptions other people will have of them, so they do not act as freely as others. Rosemary, however, behaves as she wishes to.

Alcohol

The characters drink alcohol to excess when they are confronted by stressful situations. Lucie drinks to handle the nerves she feels...