Necklace

Annie's moonstone necklace is symbolic of memory. Sallie takes her mother's necklace from the family jewelry box in that it is the only memento she has of her mother. She holds on to or wears the necklace throughout the novel, as a reminder of the mother she lost when she was just a child.

Big House

The Big House is symbolic of belonging. At the start of the novel, the Big House defines Sallie's sense of home, family, love, and safety. Therefore, when her father sends her away from the house, she loses her sense of belonging. She must work to reestablish and relocate it in the wake of her return nine years later.

Stain

The stain that Sallie gets on her dress at Jane's wake is symbolic of the past. The stain is a reminder that Sallie is an outsider in the Claiborne community. The...