America
America is central to Lola's life. At the exposition of Daughter in Exile, she and her friends are partying before they can depart for America. Barry tells the attendants, “ I’d like to thank you all for coming to our goodbye party. It's been a wild three years, but it's time to lead back to America." For the Americans in the party, America represents a home. For Lola, America represents a future of love, fulfillment, and prosperity. America is a goal that Lola must hunt and find regales of the hurdles in her way.
Plantains
Plantains are symbolic of food that can be consumed in different cultures. Lola tells Mindy, "Did you know they eat plantains just like Ghanaians?" Mindy confirms that she learned that Plantains are also consumed as food in Vietnam. The plantains are typical in tropical nations. The environment there permits them to flourish. Plantains show the intersection of cultures in matters to do with food and nutrition. Therefore, Ghanaians, Thais, and Vietnamese are similar because they all consume plantains.
Wine
Lola loves wine and relishes it (Sauvignon blanc) at the party. She tells Ted, "I love it. Wine is the only alcohol I tolerate." The wine is chilled that its semi-sweetness tantalizes the tongue. Therefore, the wine makes Lola have a pleasant time at the party because it is her favorite. She does not need other alcoholic drinks because she does not enjoy them.
