Small Cottage

Laura and her siblings were abandoned by their father in a small, isolated cottage with no food and only one small heater. Laura, who was only 9-years-old, stole food and clothing to provide for her siblings while they lived alone in this cottage for nearly seven months.

Potter

In the story titled Laura, Potter represents Laura’s ability to persevere. Because Laura felt ashamed of the way she treated her younger siblings when they were living alone, Laura used Potter as a model for the proper way to interact with Tracy and Craig. She also used Potter as a substitute father for herself who told her that one day the “war” (25) in which they were fighting was over she could pay back all that she had stolen. He assured her that she had to do what was necessary to get through the war.

A Single Rose