Pliney's Pond

Pliney’s Pond, a scummy pond on Perry and Harvey’s property, represents the persistent, haunting memories that Perry associates with his father and his home. When his sons were young, Perry and Harvey’s father forced them to swim in the pond in order to teach them the importance of endurance, bravery, and fortitude. In adulthood, Perry continually revisits the pond to think over his relationship with his father and home. At the conclusion of the novel, Perry again wades into the pond, after which he finds a greater sense of peacefulness and appreciation. In this way, Perry appears to conquer the pond; at last, he frees himself from the troubling memories of the past.

Harvey's Eye

Harvey’s eye, which he loses during the Vietnam War, symbolizes the trauma and long-lasting effects of warfare. Upon his return from the war, Harvey appears unharmed...