Allegory to explain the state of the world
Prue said that there was so much ugliness in the world and that each person should carry a little light. This is allegorical because the meaning of 'carrying a little light' is that people should be generous and kind to each other.
Allegory to explain Mary Ann's feelings
When Brian, Mary's partner was worried that his income was minimal since he had left his work as a attorney to become a waiter he remarked to her that he wanted to provide for her. Mary Ann responded with, ' I do not need any dragons slain on my behalf.' This statement is allegorical because it means that she doesn't want hefty monetary help from Brian.
Symbolism of forgetting the past
One day, Brian went out to the store and purchased a record album known as, 'If I had a hammer.' As he was listening to the song, there were many past memories that kept resurfacing and he found a hammer and destroyed the record album. This is symbolic of him destroying the memories of his past that he wanted to forget.
Motif of conflict
The novel has many characters who are faced with personal conflicts. For example, Mary Ann wanted to get promoted at the job but her producer did not think she was up to it, Brian was frustrated by his career, Frannie's daughter had left home and Mrs. Madrigal's children had left her alone to live in the city. The conflicts aim to show the life and personalities of all the characters in the story.
Symbolism for a grim day
As Mary Ann was searching for her dog Vuitton, she found the day grim as the sun was not visible, for it had been hidden by a thick summer fog. This is symbolic for the events that would happen because she found her dog but it hid from her for it had found a new owner.
