The Piano Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

The Piano Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Face Down

Baines wants to lie in bed with Ada during a lesson. She tells him it will cost him 5 black keys, part of their negotiation for her to get her piano back. When she lies down she is face down. This is a symbol that she is closed off to him. That she won't let him get any closer than this.

Allusion

Ada is being dressed in front of a mirror for her wedding picture. She's told that they may not have a ceremony but they will have the picture. The mirrored reflection of Ada is a symbol that this marriage is only an image, nothing that she truly feels in her heart and the fact that there will only be a picture further enhances this symbolism.

Paths

Ada gets Baines to come with her and Flora to the beach to get her piano. We see Ada walk on the wet sand making footprints that Flora follows in. Then Baines follows in Ada's steps as well. It is a symbol that Baines like Flora will follow Ada wherever she goes as he has a deep connection with her that has been formed from the playing of her piano.

Goodnight Kiss

Stewart comes into Flora's room while Ada is telling her about her father. He asks to give her a goodnight kiss which she does not want to give him. It is a symbol that he is not her father and she will not let him get close to her as he hopes.

Hole in Stockings

Baines asks Ada to raise up her skirt so that he can see her legs. We see a hole in her stockings which Baines touches the skin that is showed. It is a symbol that he is seeking any way in that he can find no matter how small. And her not stopping him symbolizes her allowing him in little by little.

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