Feral cats

Jake and the feral cats are like one another. Both the cats and Jake exist outside of the normal course of Quinn society, and since no one prefers having them around, must fend for the scraps they can get. In Jake's case, the "scraps" are friends, affection, support. Yet, both the cats and Jake do find those in Quinn who value them: Frank values both the stray cats and Jake, and before his death, Jake finds a group of supportive women who love him.

Rosary beads

Rosary are a symbol of non-religious goodwill and a reminder of beauty in the world. Jake loves rosary beads, and Buley collects them for him in her thrift shop. Jake first leaves a string of rosary beads on Frank's trailer after his death, as symbol of his affection for Frank. But for Jake, rosary beads also demonstrate the beauty...