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"It was her sister Josephine who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing."
This line, which introduces the reader to Josephine, establishes her character as one whose well-meaning actions do not always have the intended effect. While she uses euphemisms and gentle language out of fear for her sister’s heart condition, the negative connotations of “broken,” “veiled,” and “concealing” suggest a more harmful side to her approach. Josephine’s attitude seems to reflect the broader cultural assumption that women must be protected from the truth.
"Josephine was kneeling before the closed door with her lips to the keyhole, imploring for admission."
Josephine’s positioning outside of the locked bedroom door allows her to serve as a symbol of the outside world attempting to infiltrate Louise’s new perspective. The bedroom, whose privacy enabled Louise’s epiphany in the first place, is her safe haven away from the social pressures seeking to limit her sense of freedom. While Josephine’s pleas for her sister to let her in come from a place of concern for her well-being, her entry also means that the traditional perspectives she holds will inevitably challenge Louise’s autonomy.
