Cotton

The cotton symbolizes uncertainty. Although the Banning family has lived for generations on the profits from their cotton crops, the crops are often unreliable. There have been years that the family had to borrow money in order to keep the farm running. In other years their crops were abundant enough that they were able not only to support their farm but also repay their loans.

The Pistol (Colt .45)

The pistol is a symbol of death. Pete took this pistol from a fallen comrade in World War II. In the war setting, a gun allowed Pete to protect himself. In the setting in which Pete kills the reverend, Pete is using the gun not to protect himself but instead to take revenge on the person he believed had an affair with his wife.

Portable Electric Chair

This portable electric chair is a symbol of punishment as well...