Lipstick Stain

The lipstick stain is a symbol of infidelity. In the Prologue, Shelby sees a lipstick stain on Jason’s collar, a stain she believes indicates that he is having an affair. Shelby does not say anything to Jason about the affair because she is having an affair of her own.

Dog Bowl

The dog bowl is a symbol of inhumanity. When Martha fixes food for Carly, she always serves it in a dog bowl. This vessel indicates that Martha believes Carly is little more than an animal.

Spoon

The spoon is a symbol of ingenuity. Carly keeps the spoon from her dinner one night hoping Martha will not notice that it is missing. Carly uses the rough inside of the toilet to turn the spoon into a rough knife that she uses to stab Eddie and escape the basement.

Pepper Spray

The pepper spray is...