Hedges
The hedges provide the women staying at Seven Palms with safety and a degree of anonymity from the outside world. They are free from prying eyes and judgment allowing them to recuperate in peace. These walls represent emotional barriers that keep people apart despite being physically close to one another. For example, when Ximena listens through number 12's window, she hears only the sound of a cricket chirping instead of voices coming from inside. The hedges also allude to class divisions. Those wealthy enough can afford high levels of security while poorer individuals may not have access to such luxuries.
Blue Lights
The blue lights are a symbol of hope and homecoming for the narrator. They evoke memories of his mother who he wishes could have seen him coming up the canyon road on his motorcycle. The protagonist often sees blue lights when he drives along the canyon road, which reminds him of his mother's favorite shade of blue. It is similar to the flame that changed to deep sapphire when they cooked over the fire in their yard. This symbolizes comfort and security for both of them since it brings back memories of happy times spent together.
Compact with the Mirror
The compact with the mirror symbolizes self-reflection and identity formation for Ivy. The compact is an expensive item that would likely have been out of reach for them had they not been able to purchase it on their recent trip. This indicates that while they may not be wealthy, they value quality and strive to make their lives appear more affluent than they are. When Ivy stares into the small mirror inside the compact after finishing her artwork, she finally sees herself. Ivy reclaims some control over her life which had previously seemed out of reach due to external factors such as poverty and parental conflict within the home environment. It offers solace during moments when everything else appears chaotic yet simultaneously provides hope for future possibilities.
Missing Palm
The father's missing palm symbolizes his son's guilt and remorse. The father lost part of his hand in an incident involving his son, which demonstrates that their lives have been irrevocably changed. The missing palm also symbolizes the physical and emotional connection they both experience because of this loss. Furthermore, the father's gesture of placing one hand on each guy’s chest during the altercation between Johnny Frías and Tavares further emphasizes this point. He is trying to protect those around him from harm despite being hampered by disability. This symbol highlights how tragedy can transform us while also demonstrating that love can help us heal even after a great loss.
