Disheveled
Matt undoes his tie and his collar is sticking up after he realizes that Dr. Prentice is there to marry his daughter. His disheveled look is a symbol of his discontent with John and Joanna getting married.
Ironing
Joanna is ironing her shirt with her mother while they talk about her and John's engagement. The ironing is a symbol of Christina ironing out what is going on in her daughter through this engagement.
Dr. Prentice
John being a doctor is a symbol that he has status in this world. It is also a status symbol that is simply overlooked by the Draytons because it is, to them, more pertinent that he is a black man than a man, and they are white.
Life
John's work precedes him as the Monsignor knows of it. Such a profession as a doctor is a symbol that he allows his life to speak for him rather than leading with his accomplishments.
Monsignor
The Monsignor believes that John and Joey should be married. It is a symbol that the church is behind interracial marriage, as the Monsignor sees equality and compassion through the lens of their engagement.
