In the novel, there are instances where objects or events seem to hold a deeper meaning. These instances are known as symbols. Here are some examples from the book that illustrate this concept:

– The Home Economics teacher tries to hang up a picture of a Happy Family, but it keeps falling down. Although this is happening literally, there is also a symbolic aspect to it. The teacher’s attempt to show the children a happy family represents an ideal that is entirely outside of Lacey’s own experience. She knows that she is supremely happy in her unorthodox family back in Balatier, which contrasts with the foreign definition and image of a “happy family” that the teacher is trying to convey. The constant falling down of the picture symbolizes the inability of this idealized image to take root in Lacey’s reality.

– Cephas’s home is filled with ornaments. This is happening literally, but there is also a symbolic side to it. Lacey feels like an ornament herself, there for show rather than loved for who she is. The abundance of ornaments in Cephas’s home symbolizes the pressure Lacey feels to conform to a certain image or expectation, rather than being valued for her individuality.

– Notice that the strong women in the novel – Lacey, Ma Zelline, Ma – have gardens. These gardens are more than just literal plots of land where fruits and vegetables are grown. They also symbolize economic independence. By selling the produce from their gardens, these women are able to support themselves and their families without relying on a man’s income or support. This stands in contrast to Anjanee’s mother and Miss Velma, who lack this kind of economic independence.

– Mrs. Lopez’s jewelry and makeup are also literal items, but they also symbolize the fact that Mrs. Lopez is not content with her natural self. She feels the need to cover up and try to look like someone else, as if her true self is not good enough. The emphasis on appearance and superficiality symbolizes the societal pressure on women to conform to certain beauty standards.

– Food is also given symbolic meaning in the novel. Uncle Leroy explains that high-class people eat spinach, and only low-class people eat bhagi! Anjanee is ashamed of her home-cooked food, but when Lacey smells it, she wants to throw away her own luncheon meat sandwich! The different types of food symbolize class distinctions and the pressure to conform to certain expectations. Anjanee is ashamed of her home-cooked food because it does not conform to the societal expectation that high-class people eat spinach. However, Lacey’s desire to throw away her own sandwich suggests that she recognizes the value and authenticity of Anjanee’s food, despite it not fitting into societal norms.