The symbolism of racism
Dina is a black American student at Yale University, and her life is complicated because she is discriminated against because of her color. Dina is lonely because she does not want to be ridiculed by her fellow white students. When Dina goes to the dining hall, she sits on a secluded table away from the white students. The incident of racism becomes evident when a white boy makes nasty jokes about her physical appearance in the dining hall.
Sexual identity
Sexual identity is symbolized by the newfound friendship between Dina and Heidi. Dina has been lonely for a while in the university, and she focuses on her hard life and racism that is killing her morale. However, things start to change when she interacts with Heidi, who is also looking for friendship. Heidi has broken up with her boyfriend and tries to find solace in Dina. Dina and Heidi's relationship blossomed, and she started having strong feelings towards Heidi. Dina and Heidi sleep together, and they start smelling each other's hairs. After this encounter, Dina realizes that her sexual identity is complex.
Lesbianism
Heidi's room symbolizes lesbianism. When Heidi's mother dies, she invites Dina to her room to prepare to attend her mother's funeral. After arriving at Heidi's home, Dina is shocked to find a circle of lesbians who are presumed to be sleeping with Heidi. Consequently, Dina discovers that Heidi is a lesbian, and that is why she insisted on sleeping with her during her last visit.
The symbolism of determination
Dr. Raeburn is depicted as an emblem of determination to serve her clients. Dina is Dr. Raeburn's psychiatric client, and she realizes that he is determined to do his job with passion. The reader realizes that Dr. Raeburn loves his job and takes the initiative of making follow-ups to know his patients' conditions.
