discuss Hurtson's use of the porch as a symbol in the novel

The porch stands for community, and it is the forum for all large discussions. It is on the porch where Joe first calls a town meeting, where he is elected mayor, and where he calls the vote for the land. Ironically, the community meets on Joe's own porch when it wishes to discuss its dissatisfaction with Joe. Thus, although the porch is associated with Joe, it belongs to the community.