Black Power
James spoke of the Civil Rights Movement which foreshadowed his decision to lean towards the African-American side of his biracial identity. Many of his older siblings had also chosen to only acknowledge that they were African-American.
Ruth's bicycle
This symbolized her constant need for movement to deal with her stress and depression and escapism.
Ruth's mother's song: Love of Birds
When Ruth's mother sang the song "Birdie, Birdie, Fly Away", she was referring to Ruth as the bird, able to move so swiftly and easily, while she referred to herself as the handicapped bird who deserved to be sacrificed and killed. This foreshadowed her death.
