Sanatarium

The sanatarium, or the Guesthouse for Gentlemen, is symbolic of isolation. In this remote alpine location, the residents are geographically removed from society. Their physical distance from the rest of their culture amplifies their rigid viewpoints and often discriminatory outlook on others. By placing her characters in this setting, the author conveys the dangerous social dynamics that might arise out of isolation.

Bean Sprout

The bean sprout that Fraus Weber and Brecht give to Wojnicz is symbolic of new beginnings. The women throw the bean in his direction when he first arrives at the guesthouse. Wojnicz pockets it because he does not understand its meaning, but he does retain it throughout his stay. At the novel's end, he eats the sprout on his way out of town, thus showing that he is starting anew and has newly claimed his authentic identity.

Attic

Klara Opitz's attic room...