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Twins

Gay uses this special kind of relationship to symbolize strong bonds, loyalty, and protection between siblings.

Water

Although this is traditionally used by many writers to symbolize renewal, life, cleansing, or purity, Gay uses it to indicate decay and rot.

Michigan

This place serves as the setting for several of Gay's stories. A defining feature of this place is its frigid, snowy winters.

Glass

This fragile substance is symbolic of the fragility of love, a marital relationship, and a female character, who is made entirely out of this material.

Abdominal Scars

Several female characters bear these, which indicate old wounds and are linked to tragedies they suffered during pregnancies.

Sex

Gay uses this activity alternatively to indicate love, pleasure, and affection and abuse, pain, and humiliation.

Pink Ribbon

One character gives this object to another when they are both very young in an apologetic gesture. Later, when...

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