The calendar page
The calendar page symbolizes the wasted time that Mrs. Burridge has incurred in life. When Mrs. Burridge opens the calendar page, she remembers doing the same daily routine, which makes her feel sad because she is no longer productive. For instance, every day, she canes tomatoes and looks at the horizon to check whether there is a sign of bad luck. Mrs. Burridge also regrets her last days in marriage because of loneliness and lack of romance from her husband, frank. Therefore, the calendar page symbolizes the waste of time in Mrs. Burridge’s life.
The Apocalypse
The apocalypse symbolizes doomsday. One thing that scares Mrs. Burridge is the reoccurrence of an apocalypse. If it occurs, Mrs. Burridge and her husband will be forced to run away for their lives, leaving everything behind. According to Mrs. Burridge, if the apocalypse occurs, her canned tomatoes and food will be useless because there will be no time for eating since everyone will be scrambling for safety.
Shotgun
The author uses the shotgun to symbolize courage. Mrs. Burridge hides Frank's shotgun and plans to run away with it in case the apocalypse occurs. Mrs. Burridge argues that with the shotgun in her possession, she will go anywhere to search for safety. In her daydreams, Mrs. Burridge sees Frank being taken away by fellow farmers, and she is left alone to look for safety. Therefore, since she has the shotgun, she has the courage of finding her way to safety.
