Reverse Evolution, “The Rememberer”

The process of ‘reverse evolution’ in “The Rememberer” symbolizes the development of personal incompatibility in a relationship. As Ben transforms into progressively less ‘advanced’ life forms, his ability to connect with Annie diminishes as well, eventually leading to the end of their relationship.

Lips, “What You Left in the Ditch”

In “What You Left in the Ditch,” lips symbolize the role of physical connection in a romantic/sexual/emotional relationship. When Steven returns home from the war, he has no lips, as he lost them while in combat. Mary is devastated at this loss, and she worries that her relationship with Steven will deteriorate due to a lack of physical connection.

Bowl, “The Bowl”

The titular bowl in “The Bowl” symbolizes the frequent incomprehensibility of interpersonal relationships, especially when those relationships are mediated through impersonal contexts. The narrator receives a bowl as a...