Linden Hills
Linden Hills is a symbol of success. African Americans see Linden Hills as the sign that you have made it. To be offered a mortgage in the neighborhood gives a person a sense of pride and having promise. The ultimate goal is to be offered a house on Tupelo Drive. It is the most prestigious street in the neighbor and only the most successful people are offered a spot in Tupelo Drive. Everyone looks up to the people on Tupelo Drive.
Possessions
Possessions are a symbol of soullessness. The people in Linden Hills are seen as soulless. They are worried about obtaining material possessions and not about morality or charity. When a funeral or wedding takes place, they go because it is expected of them and to be seen not to offer condolences or celebrate. The inhabitants of Tupelo Drive watch the home of Luther Nedeed burn and do nothing to help. They do not see any material gain to them to help so they do nothing. Willie cannot understand how they can just stand and watch. As an outsider, he does not understand their values and obsession with possessions.
Fences
Fences are a symbol of separation. Fences keep people out and they keep people and ideals within a community. Lester tells Willie that fences around the schools are not to keep people out, but to keep the people within the communities from seeing what was happening outside of the fences. One is to keep within one's circle and not see the world from any other view.
Fire
Fire is a symbol of renewal, since fire is used in forests to clear away the old so that new growth can flourish. Luther Nedeed is of the past and his ways are making Linden Hills become stagnant. To grow, the community needs to be free of Nedeed. The community watches his home burn because they need his death in order to grow. The fire gives them a release and a chance for renewal.
