The Belknap Tower

The tower symbolizes Beverly's hope that she will see her father again. She points it out to Raymie and says that it was a childish hope. Later, she says there is no reason to climb the tower now that she knows she will not see her father.

As the novel draws to a close, the girls climb the tower and that act represents the closure and acceptance they are beginning to feel. When Louisiana asks what Raymie can see, Raymie says she can now see everything, which is symbolic of her new outlook and understanding. The tower seems to be an ordinary tourist attraction.

Golden Glen Nursing Home

The Golden Glen Nursing Home represents Raymie's hope that she can do a good deed to put on the pageant application. The facility is near Raymie's house and Raymie's good deed winds up not including reading to anyone...