SYMBOLISM/MOTIFS/IMAGERY/SYMBOLS

The major symbolism throughout the story resides in the ring that Anton gave Patty. Although Patty frequently asks requests from God, it does not appear that she is very religious and faithful to the Jewish religion. It seems that Patty believes in a God, but that she does not devoutly practice one religion. This is also noted when Patty asks if she can attend Baptist Camp. Patty does not have much faith or belief in anything, including herself; which is understandable given her torturous home life.

When Anton gives Patty his ring it symbolizes his love for Patty, and how valuable he thinks she is. For Patty, this ring serves as her confidence and belief in herself. She treats the ring like a religious symbol: she wears it around her neck, touches it, kisses it and talks to it, just like Ruth does her cross. Patty feels that as long as she has this ring, she can do anything, and be confident with herself. When she does not have the ring in her possession we can see a change in her personality and the way she feels about herself. It is almost as if she reverts back to her self-conscious personality without the ring; without it she loses her confidence and belief in herself.

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