The Yew

The Yew tree in Fortingall is symbolic of stability. Believed to be roughly 3,000 years old, the yew represents longevity, perseverance, and survival. When May plants the cutting from and later visits the yew, therefore, the author is revealing May's longing for security and settlement in her own life.

Yew Cutting

The cutting May plants of the Fortingall yew is symbolic of renewal. Indeed, the reader learns in "Pilgrimage," that May buried her mother's ashes in the same soil where she planted the cutting. Therefore, May is attempting to grow something new from her loss and sorrow.

Tree Sheets

The tree sheets Earl gives May throughout the novel are symbolic of the future. The tree sheets are images of potential trees for May to plant in Earl's memory after his death. They are thus reifications of the future. They also force May to look ahead to...