Out of the Dust | Teaching Setting, Symbolism and Objects

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Piano - This is arguably the most precious object in this novel. It's a key element in Billie Jo's life, and it represents her Ma, her yearnings for freedom and her acceptance of herself.

Dishes - While these don't seem too important in the big picture, the fact that Ma puts them on the table upside down so they don't get dust in them indicates the level to which the dust permeates every part of their lives.

Dust - A never-ending obstruction to a good life, this is an obstacle to everything Billie...
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