Importance of Dark Weather

Dark weather symbolizes periods of turmoil throughout the novel. As McMorris's characters are undergoing emotional distress or opposition, these moments are often characterized by dark skies and/or rain. As she is getting ready to accompany Clayton to a wedding in New York, "the March morning sky filled Lily's window with an ominous gray, fitting for her rising angst" (84).

Following this theme, it is also raining when Ellis travels to Maryville to apologize to Lily. The light sprinkle turns into a heavy storm as the evening progresses, resulting in Lily's mother extending an invitation for him to stay the night, despite her lukewarm sentiments toward him. It is also raining on the night that Ellis and Lily rescue Calvin from the farm where he has been mistreated.