The Candlestick

The iron candlestick which Toby uses to defend himself from his attackers in Chapter 1 symbolizes his agency. His first attempt to stand up for himself is thwarted as the candlestick is taken from him and used to brutalize him. Later, the candlestick is returned to him by Detective Martin, but Melissa throws out the candlestick with a plastic bag wrapped around it like a “garrote,” foreshadowing the reveal of Dominic Ganly’s cause of death and Toby’s subsequent realization that he had no part in protecting his cousins from Dominic Ganly, and that in fact his agency was again obstructed by their decision to murder him.

The Wych Elm

The wych elm where Dominic’s body is discovered acts as a protector of the Ivy House garden and the occupants of Ivy House. While it remains standing, the wych elm hides Dominic’s body...