The Symbolism of the Afterlife
The author uses ghosts in the novel Empty Grave to symbolize the afterlife. At the beginning of the novel, Lucy asks, "Want to hear a ghost story? That's good. I know a few. How about the one of the sightless blue face pressed against the cellar window." In the afterlife, the only existing beings are ghosts; thus, they become an important symbol in the novel. However, Lucy reveals that ghosts are terrifying and bloodcurdling beings. Nevertheless, not all ghosts are malicious because Lucy reveals that a few are friendly and can communicate with humans.
The stars
The stars symbolize the time for ghosts. Ghosts start appearing at midnight when the stars are the brightest. According to Lucy, midnight is equivalent to morning hours for the ghosts. Lucy says, "In the outside world, the stars were out. The day's warmth was folded up and done. It was shortly after midnight when spirits wandered all sensible folk was tucked up safe in bed." Since Lucy has a talent for listening to ghosts' conversations, she confirms that they start their day at midnight when humans are deep asleep.
Shadows symbolize sprits
Shadows are a symbol of spirits. In Fittes Agency, the primary role of Quill Kips is to monitor the blinking of shadows. When the shadows blink, Kips uses goggles to see ghosts. Interestingly, not everyone can detect ghosts because they as concrete shadows. Therefore, the first step in detecting ghosts is monitoring and tracking the blinking of shadows. In physics investigations, it is important to know tracking ghosts and monitor their next moves.
