The Paper Palace

The Paper Palace is a symbol of Elle and her family’s attitude toward life. Armory built the outside of these cabins solidly. He ran low on funds and finished the ceiling and walls with pressed paper board. Elle and her mother similarly appear to be solid on the outside while their lives are really falling apart.

Hairbrush

The hairbrush is a symbol of guilt, accusation, and hate. Joanne accuses Elle of using her hairbrush even though Joanne asked her not to use it. Joanne makes the accusation because she hates Elle. Elle has a moment of triumph when her father agrees to stay home with her the night of the hairbrush accusation instead of going out with Joanne. Elle later feels guilty because Joanne makes Henry leave the girls at her parents’ house. She knows it is her fault because she challenged Joanne...