what is an item that matt is assosiated within chapters one to five?

You might consider the Sempervivum Plant. This plant symbolizes hope for a long life despite hardships. Matt is drawn to the plant at the Botanical Garden because of its appearance, but Love then explains that the plant can withstand harsh conditions, making it live longer than most plants. This is the plant that Love gives to Matt while he is working at Andre's funeral. The moment of the gift is as symbolic as the gift because there is a 19-year-old being buried while the plant is likely to live a long time.