This thesis examines the house as symbol of God, self, and body. This is a way to explore the expression of individuality both incorporated in, and invoked by the middle-class single family home, particularly for women. The theme, "the temple within," is intended to create a conceptual framework for the identification of activities which give the elements of the house meaning for the occupants. The elements of house, garden, hearth, entrance, windows, attic/stair/cellar, and walls and spaces, are identified through the analysis of primary sources. These are the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Competition Series stock plans from 1947 to 1963, as well as two suburban homes from the Carlington neighbourhood in Ottawa, Ontario. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the appropriateness of these symbols of home as a vehicle for women's identity of self.

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