Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Lottie Carson is a film star that Min likes. After her first date with Ed, Min sees an old woman and decides, apropos of nothing, that she must be Lottie Carson. She is not. The real Lottie is dead, but Min doesn't know that, and in her oblivion, Min concocts a fanciful plan to throw "Lottie Carson" a big birthday bash.
This party, like Ed and Min's relationship, is doomed from the start. Adding to the parallels, Min finds out about Lottie's death at the same time she's informed of Ed's treachery: "She died a long time ago, is the real truth of what slayed me in my chest and head and hands forever" Min writes. "There are no stars in my life" (40.93). It is a major loss of faith moment for Min—one of her favorite old timey starlets is dead, and so, too, is her relationship with Ed. With this, Min enters a period of darkness. If you wanted to be all metaphoric about it, you might even say she sinks into a starless night.