Hanging
Mary is still chained to the railroad when the people of the town begin to hang her and her body begins to rip. Her being torn apart is a symbol of the souls of the people being torn apart by perpetrating this horrific killing and creating a show of it.
Tusks
The Ringmaster has Mary dug up and her tusks removed. This is a symbol of the coldness of profits above everything as the Ringmaster is concerned with the bottom line, Mary cost $8,000 and a return must be made.
Mud
The Muddy Townsperson is seen throughout the play and the symbol of this character is that the stain of Mary's killing in Erwin, Tennessee, in September 1916 has yet to go away.
Peanuts
The Hungry Townsperson carries a bag of peanuts which he eats throughout the play. The peanuts are a symbol of the need to remember, the need to know our history in order to not repeat it.
Engineer
The Engineer in the play claims mightily that the railroads created Time in America. He and his engine are a symbol of America's desire for progress over humanity.
