Guitar

Jesse’s guitar is symbolic of his relationship with both of his parents and the emotional disconnection that his family relationships have caused him. The thing that made Jesse’s mom fall in love with Jesse’s dad was when his dad would play songs to her on his guitar. Jesse did not play his guitar for more than a year after his mother’s suicide and he finally played it again in the last chapter of the novel. Jesse performed with his guitar in the Sunrise Assisted Living Center because he knew that Bridget would be there visiting her grandmother. Bridget was moved by Jesse’s performance, just like Jesse’s mom was impressed by his dad.

Earlier in the novel, Jesse told his dad that he sold the guitar to pay for groceries. Although it was a lie, this claim symbolizes Jesse’s relationship...