How does the author use symbolism in the novel, The Wife?

Joe’s infidelities symbolize Joe’s selfishness and fragile male ego. Throughout Joe’s life, he repeatedly has extramarital affairs, both during his first marriage and his second. Joan is aware that as a man, Joe feels empowered to do this due to society’s double standards involving men and women’s sex lives. Joe also seems to see these affairs as a source of comfort in the face of his deep personal insecurities.