Two Nights in Lisbon

Content Warning: This section of the guide refers to sexual assault.

Drinks or glassware are involved in many of Ariel’s challenging or significant exchanges with men. During her visit to the embassy to discuss John, Saxby Barnes insists on giving Ariel a glass of water despite her refusal. She calls this “foisting a favor upon her, with the expectation of extracting something later” (25). Ariel’s focus on this failure to honor her wishes demonstrates her astuteness in contrast to her public vulnerability. Later, the novel reveals Ariel fended off an attempt at sexual assault by her neighbor, who invited himself in for a glass of water. This episode puts her reaction to Barnes in a stark light, underlining that men denying her agency is a key part of Ariel’s life. That same day, Ariel subdues Antonucci by pretending to drop her water bottle. The beverage provides her with the necessary ruse to protect herself.

Pavone also uses beverages to contrast Wolfe and John. When Ariel meets Wolfe in a bar, he orders an expensive wine, and “Ariel understood this wine was not on the menu […] not unless you were a man like Charlie” and she is struck by its color, “like blood of some big game” (339).