The Stray Cats

The stray cats represent the perceived position of the black community in American Society in this story. The only character that enjoys the presence of the stray cats is the protagonist. The other most prominent character, the woman with the petition, is actively trying to kill the stray cats, and she has many signatures on her petition. This mirrors the protagonist’s understanding that the affluent white people in her neighborhood do not welcome the protagonist or her family because of their race.

The Unopened Box of White Linen

The box of white linen that the protagonist’s mother gave to her represents the protagonist’s desire to be tied to her past in some way because of her homesickness. The fact that the protagonist has not decided to open it after all these years shows that she wants to leave it as a...