Cornwall Inn

The Cornwall Inn is a luxury hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, which is the main setting for the novel. It functions as a symbol of transition and rebirth. The Cornwall Inn’s luxury sharply contrasts with the emotional deprivation Phoebe experiences in her everyday life. Here, surrounded by attentive staff dedicated to anticipating and fulfilling her needs, Phoebe encounters a rare experience of being truly cared for. This enforced gentleness and comfort create a space where she can begin to reconnect with herself and her desires. The contrast between the hotel’s indulgence and Phoebe’s usual loneliness highlights how much she has been neglecting her own needs. The experience of being cared for helps Phoebe come back to life, making the hotel a pivotal setting for her emotional recovery.

Phoebe’s Hotel Room

Phoebe’s hotel room, originally intended as the setting for her planned suicide...