Bones (symbol)
One of the central symbols is the presence of bones, particularly those of Sister Jenny, and the surrounding rituals of burial. The handling of these remains emphasizes the weight of mortality and the responsibility of remembrance. These bones symbolize the human tendency to disconnect from the dead, yet they represent a connection to the past and memory. The burial of Sister Jenny is filled with tension and significance. Her bones are treated with a sacred reverence, which underscores the human desire to honor those who have passed away. The difficulty in securing a legal burial for Sister Jenny further accentuates the complications and emotional burdens associated with death. Thus, the bones embody Sister Jenny’s spiritual legacy and the burdens that death brings to the living.
The Graveyard (symbol)
The graveyard symbolizes the inevitability of death and the emotional struggles related to grief and memory. She reflects on visiting her parents' graves and experiencing "the sensation of too much space" during their funerals. The graveyard stands as the unchanging nature of death—a contrast to the emotional turmoil and living grief experienced by the narrator. Furthermore, the symbolism of the graveyard as a desolate place devoid of life echoes the isolation and emotional distance throughout the book. The narrator’s detachment from the graveyard parallels her struggle to reconcile with the deaths of her parents and others around her. Therefore, the graveyard also serves as a symbol of unresolved grief.
Mice Plague (symbol)
The mice infestation represents the chaos, fear, and helplessness that pervade the lives of the characters. They infiltrate nearly every corner of the convent except the "good room" where Sister Jenny’s bones are kept. As such, they embody uncontrollable forces that disrupt daily life and spiritual peace. The characters pray for rain to end the plague but the mice persist. This plague extends beyond the physical into a metaphor for spiritual and emotional disarray. The infestation intensifies feelings of isolation, especially for those like the narrator who seek peace and order amidst personal loss and despair.
Silence (motif)
Silence is a recurring motif that denotes both refuge and isolation. The protagonist frequently encounters silence in the religious retreat, which is meant to facilitate deep introspection. This silence is described as so profound that it feels almost tangible. It creates a sense of tranquility and disquiet. Thus, it forces the protagonist to confront her emotions, grief, and unresolved traumas without the distraction of external noise. However, silence also represents a barrier between the protagonist and others, preventing communication and connection. It highlights emotional detachment as characters find themselves isolated within their minds.
Water (motif)
Water, in various forms—whether rain, rivers or the ocean—acts as a powerful motif throughout the novel. It signifies cleansing and destruction. For example, the convent experiences heavy rain, which the characters initially hope will cleanse the land and end the mice infestation. However, this rain also brings about a sense of helplessness, mirroring the emotional turmoil of the characters. Water in this novel demonstrates uncontrollable aspects of life: grief, trauma, and emotional floodwaters that the characters must navigate.
