What is The Biltmore Estate?

The Biltmore Estate is similar to a castle. As such, it acts as a symbol for various aspects of Serafina's life. It represents the closed world in which she lives. With the exception of her father, Serafina is invisible to everyone. He always wants her to stay in their home in the basement to stay safe. He warns her not to venture out into the forest. While he keeps her there for her own protection, in a sense he is imprisoning her. She looks out on the world beyond the estate as a prisoner looks through the bars of their cells wondering what is out there and wishing to be a part of it.