It is also interesting to examine which words are capitalized. Society, Family, Taste are capitalized words because they seem to Newland to be inflexible institutions that are very important. There is also a bit of foreshadowing in that Newland had kissed Ellen when she was little and that Ellen remembered the event. Food is an important motif in this book. Mrs. Manson Mingott and Mrs. Archer are looked down upon because they do not serve good food.
Contrast is another important literary tool here.
The old brownstone architecture is contrasted against the new cream-colored stones of the new inductees of the society. Ellen Olenska s dark hair and red clothing are often contrasted against May s blonde hair and white dress. He keeps a huge room in his house dedicated solely to the annual ball. It sits vacant 364 days in the year. There, May announces to friends that she is engaged.