Significance of Three Guns

Three guns are carried by Toby throughout most of the novel, and symbolize the weight of the burden he carries inside based on his wartime experiences in Europe in World War I. The guns are also carried for safety and reassurance. Annabelle’s father first notices that only one of the guns is operable, which in turns allows Annabelle to understand why the guns are being carried at all. When Toby leaves the area permanently, he leaves behind the working gun, demonstrating that his burden has been lessened by his time with Annabelle and her family, and primarily because of Annabelle’s kindness.