Louise’s apartment is a symbolic representation of the disastrous state of Louise’s life: Like Louise, it’s falling apart. Although Louise keeps the apartment clean, essential components like the plumbing aren’t working. This parallels the way that Louise presents herself to the outside world, always looking clean and proper—when, on the inside, she’s dealing with serious mental health conditions. The apartment is also representative of Louise’s solitude. Here, she is alone, with no husband, daughter, or friends. Finally, Louise’s apartment is the symbolic counterpoint to Paul and Myriam’s apartment, illuminating the class differences between the two parties. While Paul and Myriam live in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, Louise lives in a suburb outside of the city (where, presumably, the rent is more affordable).

The bite marks referenced in the book are a symbolic representation of Louise’s personal unraveling, and of the unraveling of her relationship with the Massé family. The first bite mark occurs when Mila bites Louise in the park—the first overtly violent encounter between the little girl and the nanny. Later, Myriam finds bite marks on Adam when bathing him. It is heavily implied that Louise bit Adam, as Louise has a history, and a habit, of biting.