This is a picture of the Times Square train station, which is first brought up as aiding in the introduction of Rachel’s character and understanding the dynamic of her marriage. After 9/11 it was definitely common to fear being in huge tourist attractions and places that are densely populated in the city. Rachel was convinced that this would be the setting of the next terrorist attack. She had anxiety every time she entered the station and Hans was could sense this feeling throughout his own experience at the station. He also proceeds to talk about this one puppet who is always there and, as New Yorkers, we know exactly the shows he is talking about that happen in the middle of the Times Square station where everyone is running to transfer trains but even the busiest New Yorkers are sometimes stopped by the performers because they’re so fascinating. Hans was fascinated by this puppet who was attached to her master but he was also disgusted by it and stopped being able to face this performance, choosing to run out of the station as to avoid it.

This uneasiness on both ends could foreshadow the collapse of their marriage. Living in constant fear of being attacked puts you on edge and if it begins to take over your life you cannot possibly contain it if both spouses are feeling this way. They subconsciously begin to disagree more and more until it becomes things that are inevitable like where to live. Rachel wanted to move back to London with their child, but Hans wanted to stay. In addition, the avoidance of the puppet performance could also symbolize his mentality in his marriage. He is always trying to avoid rather than confront and I thought that was very apparent in this scene.