Butterfly and Lightning Pictures

Stephen's photographs of the butterfly and lightning symbolize Stephen and Mary Shelley. A butterfly signifies the soul leaving the body as Stephen did and the lightning photo represents what had happened when Mary Shelley was struck by lightning. A lightning storm approaches as Mary Shelley cries out shortly after finding out that Stephen has died in the war. It is symbolic that she looks at Stephen's lightning bolt photo at the same time, indicating that perhaps there is more of a connection with the dead than she thought possible before.

Uncle Wilfred's compass

Aunt Eva gives Uncle Wilfred's compass to Mary Shelley when she comes to live with her in San Diego. After Mary Shelley has a death experience when she is hit by lightning, she becomes magnetized and the needle of the compass always points to her instead of pointing north. The...