Diaries

Diaries are a symbol of truth for both Mama and Dixie, as well as a part of the stylistic structure of the novel. The novel begins with Dixie discussing how her diary is key evidence and the chapter ends with her reading her mother’s diary. Throughout the novel Dixie makes diary entries explaining her life events. The last two chapters elucidate the truths contained in Mama’s diary. Therefore, both diaries bookend the novel, as if to indicate the contents are all a part of one diary. The diary is precious to Dixie, she wears the key to it around her neck, and she mentions it as a companion and friend, for example when she thinks to herself in Chapter 22: “wouldn’t that be something to write in my diary” (757). When Dixie hands over her diary to the prosecutor, she elaborates on the symbolism of...