Virgin Mary (symbol)
Virgin Mary is a symbol of faith, justice and consolation. Andy gives Meredith an icon to show her that she is not alone. He knows that her mother wouldn’t protect her from her father, knows how desperate Meredith is. Although the girl has never been a believer, it is Holy Mary she relies on in a moment of need. Meredith begs her, “Queen of families, have mercy. Help me!”, for there is no one to help her. She believes if there is justice in this world, The Blessed Mother is not going to leave her alone.
The sacrificial lamb (allegory)
The sacrificial lamb is Meredith’s readiness to put her life at stake in order to save “somebody innocent and pure” from her father’s grasp. She believes that it is going to be her fault “for not stopping him”. Nigel, a police officer, tells the girl, “don’t go to be a martyr”, but this is what she is. She is the only one, who know how dangerous her father can be and is ready to say goodbye to her own life in order to put end to his crimes.
The punishment (motif)
Every crime should be punished. There are many cases when a guilty person deserves the second chance, but this story is not about redemption, it is about actual punishment. Meredith knows that “his punishment will spring from details” she provides and she is determined to give them as many as possible. He is “a child molester”, who brings only suffering and Meredith doesn’t want put other children in danger. She says, “I hate you” and she means it, his own daughter, his own blood, is going be his judge and his punishment.
