Crows (Symbol)
When Grace and her family sail on board ship to America, she sees three crows – they are sitting on the crossbar of the mast. Grace’s mother also sees them and says that this is a bad sign – a row of three crows foreshadows death. Grace is surprised at her words, because she is never superstitious. Moreover, her mother, probably, just misses – she notices, when people are sad, ominous omens are everywhere. However, her mother was right – she died on the ship. Crows are a symbol of death in the novel.
Apple peel (Symbol)
Mary Whitney and Grace Marks begin to predict their future. They take an apple and pare it, and they get the peel in one piece. Then Grace throws it behind her and they look at how it has fallen. There is no telling which way is up, but at last they decide that it is a “J”. Mary Says Grace will marry Jim from the stables or else Jeremiah the peddler, who is much handsomer. At the end of the book, she marries another man and his name begins on “J”. The apple peel is a symbol of fate and love, which Mary and Grace want to meet.
Violation of law, Crime, Murder (Motifs)
The story is based on the real events; however, this is described in detail in the annotation. Double murder, two suspects, two death verdicts, one of which is substituted for death sentence, and a long trial. The public tries to get truth with painful curiosity during many decades. Nobody doubts the guilt of the hanged man, but his accomplice, Grace Marks – who is she? A cold-blooded murderer, an intimidated accomplice or, in general, an unfortunate victim of circumstances? The book completely tells readers about the offense, murder and death and once again proves that it is so easy to change your life for the better or worse.
