Characteristic of Capote's technique is his extensive use of nature symbolism.

The grass harp itself is the most important symbol. A tract of high Indian grass located below the town cemetery, the field displays brilliant colors in autumn, when the grass becomes a harp of voices as the wind plays through it. Dolly tells Collin that nature is telling the stories of the dead and the wind is the voice of people like the two of them. Thus, the novel is the music of the grass harp; and Collin shows real talent as a musician of words and ideas.

A second symbol is the two China trees growing linked together and bridged by a very old tree-house. Built about two generations before Collin first sees it, the tree-house becomes a place where Collin can take refuge, Judge Cook can be himself, Dolly can experiment with cigarettes and other...