Ellie's Star of David Necklace

Ellie's Star of David necklace, constantly shown around her neck, is a symbol of spiritual and emotional grounding. Though Ellie tries to separate herself from her family as a means of understanding herself outside its flawed structure, she continues to wear her necklace, even sometimes holding it in her mouth. Her attachment to the necklace illustrates the ways in which the individual must not completely discard their past to create a future for herself. Though her family is not extremely devout, Ellie's Jewish background parallels the history of oppression from which Miah comes. When she gives the necklace to Miah prior to his death, it is not only a token of her love and affection, but a sign of protection and understanding. Though Miah is killed just after Ellie clasps the necklace around his neck, Miah feels undisrupted peace while wearing it...