Symbols
A Painted House- A painted house is a significant symbol within the book which is clearly expressed through the title. In this novel a painted house represents wealth; this is because the wealthier an individual is, the more they can afford to decorate their house. The Chandler’s are degraded when Hank points out to Luke that his house isn't painted. As a result Trot paints it to save Luke from further humiliation.
A switch-blade- The switch-blade is significant as the character Cowboy constantly carries it with him.Whenever someone starts a fight with him, he immediately pulls it out. This represents violence and illustrates that Cowboy is an violent and dangerous character.
A switch-blade- The switch-blade is significant as the character Cowboy constantly carries it with him.Whenever someone starts a fight with him, he immediately pulls it out. This represents violence and illustrates that Cowboy is an violent and dangerous character.
Archetypes
Loss of innocence- At the beginning of the novel Luke is an innocent boy that attends school and helps out in the farm. However, after the workers arrive he is gradually is exposed to violence and other things a little boy shouldn't be exposed to. he is exposed to:
The initiation- Luke becomes more mature and enters adulthood as the story processes.
- The Sisco vs Hank brawl
- Watching Tally bath at the creak
- Sneaking around with Tally and watching Libby give birth
- Being attracted to the opposite gender, referring to Delilah’s cleavage and Tally
- Watching the dancers at the carnival
- Tally and Cowboy's furtive relationship
- Hank and Cowboy's fight (MURDER)
The initiation- Luke becomes more mature and enters adulthood as the story processes.
- He lies more freely and carelessly by the end of the story whereas, before he was very obedient and innocent
- The hill people have had a massive effect on, through them he exposed to classism and violence
- Tally is constantly pressuring him to participate in activities he should not to be involved in