In Hilary Mantel's "Beyond Black," the imagery of a glass barrier symbolizes the separation between women's experiences and the male-dominated world outside. The landscape visible to women represents achievements and structures created by men, underscoring the theme of gender disparity in society. This world signifies not just physical buildings but the power dynamics that shape their reality.

Furthermore, the notion of women standing at junctions highlights their uncertainty and anticipation regarding their futures. It suggests that while men may have the agency to forge paths, women often await direction and clarity, reinforcing the ongoing struggle for autonomy and recognition in a patriarchal context.