How does the author use symbolism in the story, The Woman at the Store?

Mansfield uses symbolism to explore the nature of this character. At the beginning of the story, the narrator describes “manuka bushes covered with thick spider webs” (60). Spider webs develop after a long period of neglect, so they represent decay. Since the woman is described as having been beautiful once, but having lost her beauty, the manuka bushes covered in webs are a symbol that represents the nature of this character.