What are the motifs in Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos?

Atonement is a recurring idea. Both socially and spiritually, atonement applies to righting past wrongs and bringing resolution to painful situations. In the case of Margaret Hughes, atonement happens when she begins smashing the valuable objects which surround her. In a way, the collectibles symbolize Margaret's self-imposed imprisonment and her connection to a shameful past. The objects themselves are just that — inanimate trinkets which, while valuable in monetary terms, are nonetheless reminders of hatred and the oppression of an entire people.