Penny (Symbol)
In America and Aspen's secret meetings, she would often sing to him, and he would offer her a penny in exchange for this gift. Although he was disparaging about his inability to pay her properly for her song, America kept the pennies and cherished them. When they broke up, she returned all but one, and she brought this lone penny with her to the palace to remind her of Aspen. The penny is a symbol of their connection, and of her love for him.
Audience (Motif)
A motif of the book is the presence of audiences and crowds that emerge often over the course of the competition. The gaze of the audience is that of the public on the monarchy, and the audience's views about the competition have sway in so far as they tell the royal family which contestant has the broadest appeal. Marlee and America are particularly popular among the audience of the Selection, which speaks to their popularity among the lower castes.
Cameras (Motif)
Similar to the audience motif, the presence of cameras in the castle consistently reminds the contestants as well as the royal family of the gaze of the public. The moments in which the cameras are pushed away, as in the case of America's first date with the prince, are shown to be more authentic. The cameras also continually emphasize the fact that America's appearance is constantly under scrutiny. She and the other girls are all repeatedly described as being beautiful, and they all must accordingly maintain a high caliber of dress and decorum in order to both win the prince's heart and appease the viewership.
Cage (Symbol)
The cage is a symbol that emerges often as America considers her situation, as she feels entirely stuck. Before the Selection, America is bound by the expectations of her caste. In the Selection, America loses the little freedom she had to the strict rules of the palace and the necessity to act with decorum around onlookers. Prince Maxon agrees with her perception of the palace as a cage and reminds her that he is as stuck as she is. It is a testament to his position, however, that he is able to appreciate the appearance of the cage. Paradoxically, America comes to think of the cage as the only place where she could be completely honest about who she is and how she is feeling.
Twig Crown (Symbol)
At the beginning of the third chapter, America has a dream where Aspen makes her a crown out of woven twigs. The crown acts as a symbol of royalty, and it also expresses Aspen's humility. America accepts this crown more readily than she accepts the literal crown that being made princess would bring her, and she is actively scornful of those girls participating in the Selection with the crown in mind, rather than the prince's love.
