Whitethorn House/Motif

Whitethorn House serves as a motif in the novel. Even though the house was once a symbol of wealth, the financial state of the March family and the structure of the house have both deteriorated over the years. When Daniel is left the house in his uncle’s will, he is given a deteriorating house that has not been cared for properly in years. Frank notes that Simon was a hoarder, but “The death duties were massive, anything worth more than a few quid had to go to pay them off. From what I’ve seen, all that’s left is your basic attic tat” (90). Even though the house is massive, it is not a landfall for Daniel in terms of money.

In spite of Whitethorn's rundown condition, Daniel views the house as a symbol of protection. He tells Cassie that he approached his...