Churches

Anne notes that she views churches as symbolic markers of “humanity, of time, of life” (38). She feels the same about cemeteries and books.

The Fog

The fog that is in place over Lough Gill each time Anne moves from one time to another is symbolic of mystery and the unknown. The same fog is present when Thomas arrives in 2001 from 1921.

Declan's Gravestone

Thomas has a gravestone set to mark Declan's grave, and this is symbolic of the fact that Declan is dead and Thomas believes that Anne Finnegan Gallagher is also dead, despite the fact that he did not find her body.

Anne Smith's Gravestone

When Anne returns to the cemetery after having spent time in 1921, she realizes that this gravestone is a symbol of her commitment to Thomas. Thomas had the stone erected in an effort to help Eoin cope with Anne's disappearance.

Thomas's Journal