Sympathy Money

As the name implies, the money that Libby inherited represents the sympathy and the guilt that everyone felt after the murders. Most of the money was donated to her from the community.

Death

Many of the Day family idealize death because to them it represents the ultimate release. Death is a representation of how depressed Libby, Ben, and Patty are at various points throughout the book. During those times, they completely give up on everything and just want a release.

Libby’s Injuries

Libby constantly focuses on the injuries she received the night of the murders. To her, they’re a constant reminder of the horrible things that happened the night she lost her family.

Ben’s Phone Line

In the chapters set in 1985, Ben wants to get a second phone line. To Patty, this represents his secretive side and how he wants to pull...