Importance of scratches.

The scratches on Henry's arm symbolize all the ways in which parents can mar their children through their behavior. Parents often justify their treatment of their children as in the child's best interest, yet often parental expectations obscure what is right for the child. While Elizabeth may be well-intentioned in her zealous pursuit of a "normal" life for Henry, her ambition blinds her to the reality of the situation. It is Henry's fabricated testimony about being scratched by a cat, testimony designed to protect Elizabeth, that is ultimately Elizabeth's undoing.