The Golden Bowl
The author figuratively uses the golden bowl in the text to symbolize the adultery between Charlotte and the Prince. The golden bowl is shiny but, for the most part, is made of crystals showing that it can easily break, and its looks are deceiving. The Prince is married to Maggie, but he is having a secret sexual affair with Charlotte, a close friend of Maggie. Charlotte is married to Maggie's father. When Charlotte and the Prince go shopping, they see a golden bowl, and they are ashamed to buy it as a wedding gift because that spells trouble for their cagey sexual affair.
The Shopkeeper is an emblem of truth.
Maggie is innocently married to the Prince and believes her husband is faithful. However, Maggie spends most of her time with her father, not knowing that her husband and Charlotte spend most of their time together and even attend public functions as a couple. When Charlotte and the Prince go shopping, they see a golden bowl and discuss purchasing it. However, the Shopkeeper realizes that the Prince and Charlotte and touching each other sexually and having a great romantic time. At last, they leave without buying the golden bowl. A few days later, Maggie purchases the same golden bowl as a present for her father. The Shopkeeper realizes that the bowl is faulty, and she follows Maggie to refund the money. However, while the Shopkeeper is with Maggie, he notices a portrait of the Prince and Charlotte, and he spills the beans about the sexual relationship between the two lovebirds. Therefore, Maggie knows the truth that her husband is cheating on her with her supposed friend and stepmother.
The symbolism of love
Despite being married, Maggie is sad that her father is lonely. Therefore, she persuades her best friend Charlotte to get closer to her father, and they finally marry. After realizing that her father is married to Charlotte, Maggie is happy, which illustrates her unconditional love for her father. Additionally, Maggie buys her father a golden bowl to show her affection and care.
