Fabric (Symbol)
On her arrival back in town Tilly designs and makes attires for the townsfolk with unique fabrics and styles. She transforms the people through fashion delivering their specific preferences with their fabric of choice. Moreover, the novel is divided into sections named after different fabrics to signify the transitions and phases. Therefore fabric symbolizes the transformation that happens to the characters both as a facade and for the better. Most of the townsfolk hide their true selves from others to avoid scrutiny or judgment for their inclinations. In terms of better transformations, Tilly’s presence helps Molly be healthier and centered than before.
Revenge (Motif)
The narrative reaches a climax after Tilly is ostracized once more by the residents from false accusations. Though the purpose of her return was to take care of her mother, her stay helps her seek closure. Rather than exile herself without settling scores she is determined to exert her vengeance against the whole town. Accordingly, the chain of events in the narrative is a buildup towards seeking closure through warranted revenge.
Football Pitch (Symbol)
The town of Dungatar has a sense of community that sees the residents live in cohesion through unwritten rules. This dynamic is admirable for they are supportive of each other however it is also malicious as it alienates others. The inner-circle bond over their support for the football team and therefore gather as a family at the pitch. The pitch symbolizes this union that fosters good energy but also allows a culture of impunity for transgressions. Tilly and Molly represent those considered outsiders as they seclude themselves in the hills as opposed to the rest.
Hypocrisy (Motif)
Dungatar portrays itself as a conservative and traditional town that upholds moral values and punishes immorality. However, it is not short of degeneracies and dark secrets of respected members of the community including the rest of the town. As such, the residents have created a dynamic that hinders an individual from exposing the rest. Certain folks such as Beula pry and eavesdrop on others in trying to catch them in those delinquencies to have all the cards. Tilly lives a genuine life even though she acts as the scapegoat for the town exhibiting the hypocrisy.
Herbs and Medicine (Symbol)
The use of herbs and medicine for various purposes occurs multiple times throughout the story. Most members of this community use medicine to control, manipulate or abuse their targets for their gain. In contrast, Tilly as a compassionate individual uses herbs as a remedy to heal fostering restorative energy. Herbs and medicine symbolize the existence of good and evil forces that battle to triumph over the other. Therefore, they play a role in illustrating how human behavior and intentions can define the outcome of nature.
