The Letter
The letter itself, written by Leslie, is the prime piece of evidence that is suppressed by Joyce. It is a symbol that Leslie is guilty of murder.
Loan
Joyce uses his own $10,000 to pay off the Chinese woman for Leslie’s letter to Hammond. The money becomes a symbol of the price of secrecy, as Joyce buys it to protect Robert from finding out Leslie never loved him.
Bungalow
Hammond is shot dead at Robert and Leslie’s bungalow. They return to it once Leslie is acquitted of murder. The bungalow becomes a symbol of death and a reminder of Leslie’s betrayal of her husband as it will forever be imprinted with blood.
Division
Ong Chi Seng stays behind after Joyce pays off the Chinese woman and his friend helping her. This is a symbol that Ong Chi Seng has been instrumental in getting Joyce to pay the $10,000 and he will take a cut even though he’s on Joyce’s team.
Dream
Crosbie is unable to purchase new land for $30,000 because his $10,000 was spent by Joyce to free Leslie. This is a symbol of Leslie literally crushing her husband's dream.
Leslie’s white lace
In the 1940 film version, Bette Davis' (Leslie's) hands are working so quickly on her delicate white lace; this situation reminds one of a spider spinning a web. When she goes with Joyce to pay the $10,000 to Hammond's wife, she is covered in her white lace, her web.
