Cell Phones

The cell phones are symbols of false security. These cell phones appear in the story “Mile 81.” Each of the Good Samaritans who attempt to help the person in the station wagon takes his cell phone with him when he examines the car. There is the belief that if they have a phone with them, they will be able to protect themselves against any danger they might encounter.

The Kickball

The kickball is a symbol of the commonplace nature of Mary’s death. It is a symbol in the story “Premium Harmony.” Mary is only 34 years old when she dies. Even though she is overweight there are no signs that she is about to die. She appears to be perfectly healthy when she enters the Quik-Pik to buy this ball for her niece. Ray finds her laying on the floor next to the wire rack of...