The Widow

The widow's character is a symbol of the outsider. Indeed, although the neighbors know little about her, they judge and exclude her. They treat her prejudicially because she appears to be different from them. The author is using the widow's character therefore to expose the neighbors' tribalist behaviors.

Limé Dolls

The Limé dolls are symbolic of acceptance. Traditionally, the faceless dolls are a reminder not to regard oneself as better than others lest one befall a great consequence. The dolls on the widow's wall, therefore, are indicative of her gracious and accepting spirit. In this way, the dolls also foreshadow the guilt the neighbors will feel for judging the widow.

Wedding Dress

The widow's wedding dress is symbolic of innocence. The whiteness of the dress and the widow's marked beauty and youth while wearing it are all indicative of her blamelessness. Indeed, it is not...