The Lemon Tree

The Lemon Tree represents different things to different people throughout the novel. When Dalia's family moves into the Khairi's home, the lemon tree at first serves as a reminder that other people used to own the home that they have essentially taken over. For the Khairi family, the lemon tree represents a sense of heritage; fruit from the tree stands as a reminder to them of what they have lost and what they wish to reclaim. Ultimately, the lemon tree comes to represent hope for both sides, encouraged at the end of the novel when a new lemon tree is planted in place of the old by students who are both Arab and Israeli, suggesting the peace which they hope will eventually be possible between their people.

The Yellow Star

The yellow star was a symbol used throughout World War II in some countries...