Babies and the Sound of Crying

The novel begins with a "plastic electronic" (9) version of its most prominent symbol- a "real" baby (24). In Ginny Moon, babies symbolize codependence and survival. Codependence defines Ginny's identity as Gloria's daughter and Baby Doll's caretaker, and although Baby Doll was dependent upon Ginny for survival, Ginny was also dependent upon Baby Doll for her own survival inside Gloria's apartment. The sound of a baby crying is like an alarm, and to Ginny, her own survival is dependent upon silencing her Baby Doll's tears. Babies also symbolize innocence, hope, and new life. Ginny's innocence is lost when she learns her Baby Doll will not "always be [her] little baby" (87). However, there is still hope for Ginny because of Baby Wendy. Ginny is "finally staying put" because taking care of her baby sister gives her new reason to live (360).

Hands and Fingers

Ginny...