Rickety trailer
The rickety trailer symbolizes Summer’s sense of belonging. Since her infancy, Summer has been under the care of caregivers because her mother died while giving birth. Summer admits she never experienced love because she moved from one caregiver to another. When Summer is finally adopted by her aunt, May, she feels more comfortable. May and her husband, Ob, are an elderly couple who live in a rickety trailer because they cannot afford a posh home. However, for Summer, the rickety trailer is a perfect home because she feels at peace. More importantly, the couple is caring and loving because they treat Summer as their biological daughter.
The garden
The garden is mentioned several times in the novel. The first time it is mentioned is when May suddenly dies in the garden. The other major time when the garden is mentioned is when Ob returns from a road trip. The garden symbolizes a new beginning. After Ob accepts the reality that May is dead and she will never return, he starts planting the garden. The plants in the garden show continuity, implying that Ob must move on and, more importantly, appreciate those around him like Summer.
The road trip
The road trip symbolizes Ob's hopes. Since the demise of his wife, May, Ob has always wanted to reconnect with her spirit. When Summer comes home with Cletus, a strange boy who interacts with the spiritual world, Ob gets excited because his dreams become lively. Cletus, Summer, and Ob are on a journey to meet the spiritual mediator. Unfortunately, they arrive and discover that the mediator has died. They return home, but Ob is hopeful he will talk with his late wife's spirit next time.
