How does the author use symbolism in the novel, Weyward?

The author uses pregnancy as a symbol of entrapment. It is because Elizabeth has become pregnant with Rupert’s child before marriage that Rupert entraps her with the promise of riches and safety for her and her child if she arranges for his parents and older brother to be killed. Likewise, Kate believed Simon wanted her to be pregnant because he wanted to fully control her body. He believed that impregnating her with a child would be his way of entrapping her forever. Violet also is entrapped by pregnancy when Frederick rapes her. Violet’s father insists that Violet marry Frederick even though Violet does not want to be married to anyone. She takes a tincture to cause an abortion to free herself from the trap of pregnancy.