The gardens
America is particularly drawn to the gardens of the palace, as being outside shelters her from the rigid structure of life in the palace. She spends many passages describing the characteristics of the garden, and its beauty is a topic of conversation between Aspen and America on their first meeting. Although the garden is more refined and lush than any that might be found in poorer districts, at the end of the day, the simple fact of nature being a universal pleasure comforts America greatly in a world so unlike her own. Furthermore, the manufactured abundance that surrounds America, particularly in the form of roses, emphasizes the opulence of the castle while also building comparison to the Selected girls, who spend their time in the castle manicured and on their absolute best behavior.
Strawberry tarts
America describes the meals she receives at the palace in great detail. One such scene is her enjoyment of strawberry tarts during her first breakfast with the prince. America adores the high quality and abundance of the food she is offered and is vocal about this appreciation to anyone who will listen. Her enjoyment is a nod toward the food scarcity she endured over her life. Food is a resource that takes on the symbolism of wealth in the novel, and of all the privileges her new status affords her, the constant availability of quality food is the one which America comes to value the most.
Walls
Another instance of imagery comes when America appreciates the walls that surround the palace on her drive up to it. The walls are so tall that America can't see anything beyond them. They are painted in a non-threatening yellow, which invokes the image of sunlight—the color brings a natural element to the unnatural structure. The walls symbolize the separation the royal family creates between themselves and the public. They work to keep undesirable gazes out, but also work to keep the perspectives of those inside of the palace stuck within it. Maxon, who is stuck on the grounds for most of his days, is ignorant of the true condition of his subjects beyond the walls.
Tucked into bed
After the first rebel attack of the novel, America returns to her room to find Lucy in a panic, and the other two maids frantically attempting to calm her down. When America enters, the maids are terrified, as they assume that she will scold them for their lack of decorum. Instead of punishing them, America takes Lucy and makes her lie down in her own bed to calm her. The role reversal highlights America's generosity and empathy, as well as emphasizing how the overwhelming nature of Lucy's panic infantilizes her.
