The bonfire

Momma’s decision to burn Daddy’s belongings symbolizes her eagerness to escape his tragic death. It also represents the growing divide between this mother-daughter pair as Maddie hoards some of Daddy’s things to keep the memory of him alive.

Coffee

Coffee is synonymous with adulthood in the novel. Maddie’s first sip of coffee symbolizes her introduction into the world of hardworking, self-sufficient seamstresses.

Maddie's hair

Momma never liked Maddie’s hair and often forced her daughter to conceal it. Maddie’s decision to embrace her unruly red hair symbolizes her growing confidence in herself now that she is apart from her emotionally abusive mother.

Mitzy’s dress

The dress Mitzy gifts Maddie represents the luxurious lifestyle Maddie can only dream of attaining. Wearing her new dress in front of David allows Maddie to pretend they are of the same social class.

Mr. Winston