Question

The description in this story has symbolic touches. What do you think the ‘window’, the ‘gathering dusk’, the ‘dusty cretonne and its odour’ symbolise?

Answer 1

In the story, Eveline the writer symbolizes the words 'window', the 'gathering dusk', the 'dusty cretonne' and its 'odour' as: The world outside the window represents perception. From the narration, we can say that the outside world is new and unfamiliar to Eveline. She feels happier being with her loved one than being with her cruel family. She has seen and faced so many difficulties in her life that she doesn't consider herself to be part of the outside world. She believes the world won't accept her.
Similarly, 'gathering dusk' and 'dusty cretonne and odour' symbolizes boredom and lifelessness. Eveline has worked for her salary day and night for her family all her life keeping the promise given to her mother. It portrays her hopeless life. Hence, the writer has compared Eveline's life to the room's darkness, showing the burden of memories and boredom in her life. Thus, the author has drawn a variation between opportunity and painful memories.