Broken Gate Hinge

The broken gate hinges symbolize how the characters continue to function despite not properly being 'put together.' Dr. Gray notices that a hinge is broken on Adeline’s gate and a gate at the Knight estate. Both Adeline and Frances struggle to remain whole, and the broken hinges on their property signal an inability to maintain the grounds of their homes. Like their gate hinges, Adeline and Frances are in need of mending. When Dr. Gray notices this, it symbolizes his willingness to pay attention to others’ distress and attempt to ease their pain. When he notices the gate hinge after visiting his late wife’s grave, his acknowledgement of the hinge symbolizes his willingness to recognize what was broken within himself and attempt to fix it. When Adeline’s gate at the close of the novel, it symbolizes the healing that the...