Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Paris is a city of wonder and excitement, "far away and wonderful," and Matilda longs to go there (5.51). But while Paris may be the city of love and lights, our business-minded young heroine also wishes to visit in order to collect French "fripperies" – trinkets to sell to customers in her own brand new expanded store (6.33). She may be a dreamer, but this girl is also always an entrepreneur.
What else does Paris, or even France come, to symbolize in the novel? (Hint: think of the French doctors at Bush Hill.)