The Stars (Symbol)
The stars are used emblematically to represent hope in life. According to the narrator, life is what you make, and that is why one has to remain hopeful so that life can shine like stars. The narrator says, "Now I think about the stars. I look at the stars and imagine the universe. Then I drawback to our galaxy, then to our planet – drawing away in all that immensity. Spinning for dear life." When the narrator looks at the stars, she becomes hopeful and determined to remain on course to achieve her ambitions.
Edward Clifford (Symbol)
The author uses the character Edward Clifford to illustrate some of the challenges that married couples go through. Edward and Anna live together as husband and wife, but the reader finds it ironic that they rarely get along well. Ann has good intentions, and she often prays for him to change, but things are getting worse every day. Eight months after Edward's return from the South, he is still a strange man because his wife does not understand him any longer. Anna says, “It is now eight months since Edward returned from the Soudan, and I would have thought, time enough for him to grow well again, but for all that ails his body, I now fear that worse is a sickness of the spirit.”
The Symbol of Death
Edward’s death represents Anna’s solitude. Edward died a sad man because he was not at peace when he died. After returning from Soudan, Edward’s character was completely different and strange. He suffered from depression and never wanted to be assisted by anyone. The narrator indicates that Edward died as a sufferer when she writes, "If only he had died contented … If only he had died at peace.” The narrator's sentiments vividly explain that Edward died a sad man. Edward's death left a big scar on Anna's life afterward because the feeling of loneliness crippled her in the entire experience.
Egypt (Symbol)
Egypt is used in the story symbolically to represent the world's history. Egypt is widely mentioned in both religious and secular books globally. The significance of Egypt dates back to the early centuries during the rain of Pharaoh. The narrator was brought up in Cairo, and she recalls the importance of Egypt, and she can now relate her experiences to history. One of the Egyptian scribes asks the question, "Do you know that Egypt is a copy of heaven and the temple of the world?” The question is answered by the Governor of St Helena, who says, "Egypt is the most important country in the world.” The significance of Egypt cannot be stressed enough without linking it to history.
The Allegory of Anna’s Life
Anna's life is emblematically used to represent the virtues of a true wife. Throughout her life, Anna lived a faithful life and being supportive of her husband, Edward. For instance, Anna is depicted as a prayerful woman who does everything within her power to ensure that her husband is safe. When Edward was in Soudan for months, Anna could regularly pray to ask God to protect him from any harm. When Edward returned home from Soudan, his character and health had changed, which worried Anna very much. Anna did everything possible to help her husband to get back to fitness. Above all, Anna was always respectful and obedient because she never argued with her husband.
