"The Mill Mother's Song"

"The Mill Mother's Song" is Ella's “last ballad,” and it symbolizes her passion about the plight of the mothers who struggle just to meet the basic needs of their children.

The Rock on Ella's Grave

Lilly says that there is only a rock on Ella's grave the day after her burial. The lone rock symbolizes the truth about her death. The rock marks the location of the grave and is a contrast to all the flowers that had been on the grave the day before. Those flowers were only there for show, but the rock is the truth.

The Night Shift

Ella works the night shift though she asks to be moved to days. The night shift is one symbol of the power the mill owner has over her. She is unable to quit because she is too desperate for the money, but...