Ackee Tree

Appearing in both "Under the Ackee Tree" and "Odd Jobs," Topper's ackee tree is symbolic of identity. The tree affords Topper a connection with his past life, home, and self in Jamaica. Understanding the tree's significance to his father, Trelawny attacks it with an ax after Topper insults him.

Cutler Ridge House

The Cutler Ridge house is symbolic of the future. Although the house is the container for both Trelawny's and Delano's memories, in "If I Survive You," both of the brothers begin attaching their future plans to the house. The house becomes the physical gateway to the lives they each want to create for themselves.

Hurricane Andrew

Hurricane Andrew is symbolic of destruction. Allusions to the storm appear throughout the collection. The storm indeed destroys Trelawny's childhood home. In turn, the storm begets the family's split in the subsequent months.

Hurricane Irene

In the...