In what way does the following line from james joyce's "araby" contribute to the symbolism of the story? she was waiting for us, her figure defined by the light from the half-opened door. mangan's sister's attractive figure symbolizes the better life the narrator expects when he is older and has escaped his dark neighborhood. the light mentioned here works symbolically with the "half-opened door" motif to suggest the narrator's confusion about what path to take in life. mangan's sister is associated with light in the story's imagery because she is part of the narrator's hopes for a greater life. the partial light reflects the sense of balance that the narrator seeks but finds missing in his "blind" street and dark neighborhood. mangan's sister, who is half-cloaked in light, symbolizes the dark buildings and bright lights of the enchanting east.