Ethel’s flower
Lawson goes to the pool several times to observe Ethel before they start talking. On one occasion, he notices a flower she dropped from her hair. He picks it up, but becomes irritated for his sentimentality and throws it away into the water. As he watches it float away, he feels a small pang of regret. This is symbolic of their oncoming relationship-instead of letting Ethel float away like the flower, he resolutely follows her, goes against himself, and ends up losing himself.
The pool
The pool is the place where Ethel and Lawson first meet and start their love story. Their love soon becomes toxic because they are unable to overcome differences, one of them sacrifices everything, while the other refuses to sacrifice anything. The pool is also the place where it ends.
Motif of alcohol
The motif of alcohol is present to show the slow decline of Lawson, his decline from social life, his isolation from Ethel and her family, and finally, isolation from himself. Alcohol becomes the only way for Lawson to cope because it makes him forget himself and the regretful life his decision led him to have.
Lawson’s son
Upon the birth of his first son, Lawson’s reaction is both disturbing and disappointing. It shows the ingrained racism and the sense of white supremacy. He can’t see past his son’s dark skin, and starts regretting his choices. The moment is a symbolic representation of the ingrained racism and prejudice.
