Diamonds

Edgar believes that his grandmother’s diamond ring is a symbol for protection against the evil force Florence claims are always out to get him. Throughout his life, Florence tells Edgar that there is an evil darkness in this world that preys upon the same kind of innocence Edgar has inside of him. When she dies, Edgar believes he has no protection against this darkness. Readers see evidence that Edgar finds safety in his grandmother’s diamonds when he thinks of diamonds and comments, “If there was a war between a diamond and darkness, who would win? Would a diamond cut through the blackness to open up seams of light? Or would the darkness cover the stone with a tar-like ooze, trapping the gem for another million years?” (58-59). He wants to find strength and protection now that Florence is dead because he feels exposed and...