Importance of Sheepskin Coat

Russ's sheepskin coat symbolizes desperation. As a middle-aged man in a disappointing marriage and a humiliating clerical role, Russ feels determined to rediscover some former, youthful version of himself. He wears this old coat, given to him by Marion decades prior, on his outing with Frances. He wants the coat to give him an edge, but the coat only makes his motives more transparent and pitiful.