As most proficient authors are aware, the process of developing themes within a work of literature is one of the most important duties of a writer. Authors have numerous methods available to them for this task, including devices such as symbolism. Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones, uses symbolism frequently throughout her novel - a tale of a teenage girl who watches from her personal Heaven as her family and friends struggle to move on with their lives while she comes to terms with her own death. The items that Susie leaves on earth, while not mentioned as important, hold significant meaning to the overall story and plot line. Allowing a common theme of grief and devastation to hi light the affect of death to a connected family.
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Buckley, Susie’s brother, is four when she dies. Even though young, Buckley always had an idea of what happened to his dear sister. When the Salmons realize this, they all to explain the absence of the beloved sister to Buckley over a game of Monopoly. The Monopoly shoe was always Susie's piece. The removal of her piece from the game is what Jack uses to illustrate to Buckley her removal from the game of life, and he gives it to Buckley as a memento of his sister. “Buckley kept the shoe on his dresser, until one day it wasn't there anymore and no amount of looking for it could turn up" (The Lovely Bones, 70). This represents the absolute dependency on items to replace the presence of Susie. Her family is in such commotion that nothing can stabilize their emotions, thus having to create other ideas to occupy their minds. The monopoly piece disappearing shows that at some point, one must move on no matter how much it hurts. Readers never discover where the piece went and if Jack, her father, kept it in his possession to feel a closeness with his daughter. Nevertheless, the shiny silver car allowed Buckley to understand, connect, and ultimately move on from his sisters death as she was removed from life and the Monopoly game simultaneously and without
Buckley, Susie’s brother, is four when she dies. Even though young, Buckley always had an idea of what happened to his dear sister. When the Salmons realize this, they all to explain the absence of the beloved sister to Buckley over a game of Monopoly. The Monopoly shoe was always Susie's piece. The removal of her piece from the game is what Jack uses to illustrate to Buckley her removal from the game of life, and he gives it to Buckley as a memento of his sister. “Buckley kept the shoe on his dresser, until one day it wasn't there anymore and no amount of looking for it could turn up" (The Lovely Bones, 70). This represents the absolute dependency on items to replace the presence of Susie. Her family is in such commotion that nothing can stabilize their emotions, thus having to create other ideas to occupy their minds. The monopoly piece disappearing shows that at some point, one must move on no matter how much it hurts. Readers never discover where the piece went and if Jack, her father, kept it in his possession to feel a closeness with his daughter. Nevertheless, the shiny silver car allowed Buckley to understand, connect, and ultimately move on from his sisters death as she was removed from life and the Monopoly game simultaneously and without