Lonesome Dove (Symbol)
Most of the story’s narrative actually takes place away from the geographical setting of Lonesome Dove, thus transforming the Texas town into an almost mythical setting of longing and regret. Many characters regret going on the cattle drive, whether because of danger and homesickness or unease about settling in other peoples' territory. The title also speaks to the symbolism of the main characters aging with the times, going from a period of conflict into a period of peace (represented by the dove). The former Texas Rangers have, in effect, been forced into becoming doves of peace rather than hawks of war. For both Call and Augustus, this transformation has generated feelings of loneliness and obsolescence.
The Hat Creek Cattle Company Sign (Symbol)
Augustus makes a sign for the Texas ranch that symbolizes the dichotomy between intellectual sophistication and the physical hardship of their circumstances. He includes all their names as well as a Latin phrase that nobody (including Augustus) except Wilbarger can read. Everyone apart from Call values having their name and work represented by the sign. Augustus attempts to glamorize the Hat Creek Cattle Company members' lives, but when Call returns to Texas to bury Augustus, the sign is so badly damaged that it is hardly readable. All the pride and hard work depicted on the sign vanishes.
Clara's House (Symbol)
Clara’s house symbolizes security, but it also allows those who stay there the stability they need in order to undergo a personal transformation. This is mostly due to Clara herself, who takes care of people but does not shy away from sharing her views (no matter how harsh). Some people (such as Elmira and Call) merely pass through without changing, but others such as Lorena have a cathartic experience. Clara also confronts certain guests or visitors who refuse to change. For example, when July stays long enough to heal from the pain and confusion of losing Elmira, he falls in love with Clara. However, July's passivity and choice to let others push him around irritates Clara, and she finally communicates this when he does not sit with her all night as she cares for Martin.
Whacking the Dinner Bell (Symbol)
Bolivar's obsession with whacking the dinner bell every night symbolizes idiosyncrasy. Although the other men misunderstand this action (at best) and despise it (at worst), Bolivar insists on hitting the bell without explanation. Perhaps unbeknownst to each man, they all have their own version of whacking the dinner bell. In other words, all the characters have aspects of their personality that disturb the general peace by irritating, upsetting, or not accommodating others. This is inherent to being part of a group or community, and can even extend to the idea of American nationhood. Bolivar feels at liberty to express himself by whacking the dinner bell no matter what others think.
Call's Pocket Watch (Symbol)
As Call prepares to depart Montana, he leaves Newt in charge of the ranch. In place of actually claiming Newt as his son, Call gifts him Hell Bitch (his most prized mare), a rifle, and a pocket watch that belonged to Call's father. Pocket watches are often passed down in families, and here it symbolizes all the lost time that Call wishes he could gift Newt. Call cannot rectify his dishonesty or alter the past, but neither, it seems, can he change the future.
