Folk art
Folk art is used as a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. When Nancy was alive, she loved folk art, and her house was full of decorative plates, crotchets, hand carvings, and talismans. Nancy strictly observed her cultural heritage, illustrated by her love for folk art.
The symbolism of betrayal
Mark symbolizes treachery because he denies his sister an opportunity to inherit part of her parents’ properties. Instead of following the will and the parents’ directives on how inheritance should be shared, Mark decides to take everything. Louise only gets her mother’s folk art and dolls, which are valueless.
Charleston
Charleston symbolizes bad memories. Louise links Charleston to her tragic past. For instance, Louise remembers how her family mistreated and neglected her. To avoid such bad memories, Louise decides to live in San Francisco, several miles away from Charleston.
