The Scars on the Desk

The scars on the desk are symbols of the men who were sheriff before Cork, including his father.

The Odor

The odor Liam and Jorge smell is a symbol of death. The boys find Big John's body hanging in a tree nearby.

The Native Language

The Native language is a symbol of the native ways that are dying out by the time Cork is a child. His grandmother Dilsey and a few other elders are the only ones still speaking that language fluently. She predicts it will die with her generation.

The Whiskey Bottles

The whiskey bottles symbolize Big John's drinking problem. There were bottles found near the tree where Big John's body was hanging and more bottles at his home. Liam learns these were meant to make it seem Big John committed suicide.

Cork's Bike

Cork's bike is a symbol of...