The Magic Strings

Frankie's magic strings is a major symbol of the novel, representing music's power to save lives - both literally and figuratively. Whenever Frankie channels his God-given gift for music instead of chasing celebrity status, the magic strings are active. Every time the strings turn the color blue after saving a person's life, Frankie had been using his music: he played lightning-fast to distract Aurora's attacker; he saved Hampton by offering the racist doctor a performance; he physically uses his guitar case to shield young Ellis from a shrapnel blast. The magic strings are a symbol of the novel's theme of “music as salvation,” showing how it can save people in both extreme and everyday ways.

Hairless Dog

The Hairless Dog that saves Frankie from drowning in the river is a symbol of Frankie's divine protection. Wherever Frankie goes, the hairless dog follows him and...