Symbols
The Yellow Chrysanthemums
Initially, Billy notices the yellow chrysanthemums displayed alongside the "Bed and Breakfast" sign in the window. These bright, cheerful flowers create a welcoming impression. They contribute to the overall facade of normalcy that lulls Billy into a sense of security. This initial association with the boarding house contrasts starkly with the grotesque truth he later uncovers. However, their symbolic meaning is fitting with the themes of the story. Yellow chrysanthemums are associated with death and mourning in some cultures. While Billy is unaware of this cultural meaning, the story subtly hints at it through the landlady's behavior. She reveals that she tends to "stuff all her little pets" when they "pass away," further linking the flowers to death.
The Stuffed Animals
The lifelike taxidermied animals, initially mistaken for living creatures, symbolize the landlady's disturbing manipulation of reality. Their presence is unsettling, not only because they represent death disguised as life but also because they hint at the fate that awaits Billy. The parrot, perched permanently on its stand, suggests entrapment and the loss of freedom. The cold, lifeless feel of the stuffed dachshund foreshadows the chilling truth about the previous guests and Billy's own impending doom. These animals serve as a constant reminder of the landlady's power over life and death, creating a pervasive sense of fear and isolation.
The Tea
The Landlady's seemingly ordinary tea becomes a potent symbol of her evil intentions. Its drugged nature represents the manipulation and control she exerts over her victims. The act of accepting and drinking the tea symbolizes Billy's unwitting surrender to his fate. The warmth associated with tea is twisted, representing a false sense of comfort that led to his demise. Additionally, the act of sharing tea traditionally signifies trust and hospitality, making the landlady's use of it for nefarious purposes even more disturbing. This poisoned chalice reinforces the theme of deception and underscores the isolation of the victims, who unknowingly accept their fate.
