Disease/Sickness

Disease is symbol for mistakes, or generational sin in A Sudden Light. The most potent example of this is Isobel's ALS, which Serena proclaims she developed as a way of taking on Samuel's alcoholism and rage. In a manner of speaking, her disease came as a result of his sin.

Ghosts

Ghosts symbolize, and are communicators of, messages that help the living learn. Ben appears first to Samuel and then to Trevor to show the way of learning and atoning. Isobel's ghost appears to Trevor to tell him to have faith at the time in the novel when he feels most like he has failed.

Woodcarving of Hand

The woodcarving that Harry Lindsey carved in 1904, the statue of a hand holding the earth, symbolizes making our own choices and controlling our own destinies. Harry clearly sees Ben as a larger-than-life figure with the world at...