Grapefruit Tree

The grapefruit tree from Nomi’s childhood symbolizes innocence and the concept of home. Before Nomi describes the attack by unidentified militant forces on her childhood home in India, she describes various idyllic aspects of that home. One of the main images on which her description focuses is a grapefruit tree that stands nearby her family’s hut. The grapefruit is presented as a source of joy and general communion for the family. The roots of the grapefruit tree correlate to the sense of rootedness that Nomi experienced in that home. However, when the soldiers attacked, her home was destroyed, along with the grapefruit tree that she loved so much.

Earrings

Earrings symbolize solace in times of difficulty and uncertainty. After Nomi’s family was killed by soldiers, she was taken in by a religious community of caretakers and other orphaned girls. One of the...