Sarah’s Mountain
Sarah’s Mountain is a symbol of freedom. Sarah first came to the mountain with her baby to escape slavery. She was able to make a life for herself on the mountain and leave the land to her family so that they always have a place to call home.
Killburn Farm
The Killburn Farm is a symbol of community. The farm is a collective of people who work together to form a self-sustaining farm. Together they can live without any help from anyone else on the mountain.
40-foot pole
M.C.’s 40-foot pole is a symbol of the world outside of the mountain. When M.C. is on his pole, he can see far out from the mountain and the small town below. He views the Ohio River and thinks about life beyond Sarah’s Mountain. His pole gives him the confidence to think of what else is out in the world and that he can accomplish great things.
Lurhetta’s Knife
Lurhetta’s Knife is a symbol of trust. By leaving her knife to M.C., Lurhetta is going out into the world without a weapon to protect her as she travels on her own. She leaves it for him to remember her and to trust that he can face the future whatever it may hold.
Sarah’s tombstone
Sarah’s tombstone is a symbol of the past. By using the tombstone in the wall to protect their home, the Higgins are letting go of the past and looking toward the future. The past is always there to protect them as they face their uncertain future.
