Mr. Benson's Deformity

Mr. Benson’s deformity is a symbol of the scars and outcome of sin and is a parallel to Leonard. Like Ruth’s fall, Mr. Benson’s literal childhood fall was not caused by malice or ill will; it was a terrible mistake made by Sally. As a result, Mr. Benson, like Leonard, was “marked.” Both characters are forced to live and work within their circumstances and in both cases it brings them closer to God.

Ruth's Hair

Ruth’s hair is a symbol of her sexuality. When Sally cuts her hair, she is both punishing Ruth for expressing her sexuality inappropriately, and taking it away so that she cannot succumb to temptation, at least temporarily while her hair grows back.

Ruth

Ruth symbolizes many religious figures in the novel, most prominently Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary. Mary Magdalene was a reformed prostitute...