Butter Knife

This butter knife is a symbol of drama. Sebastian’s mother claims that she would rather die than have a homosexual son. She is not taken very seriously, however, because she uses a butter knife to try to cut her wrists.

Dresses

Dresses in Gabi’s mind are a symbol of discomfort. Because she is overweight, Gabi finds dresses constricting. She has trouble finding dresses she likes in her size. Gabi is particularly uncomfortable when her mother brings home a dress for her to wear for her senior pictures. Gabi hates all dresses but does not want to hurt her mother’s feelings by not wearing it.

Condoms

Condoms are a symbol of the double standard in the way boys and girls are treated. Gabi points out the way that her mother tells her not to have sex until she is married. However, Gabi’s...