Previous
Farmer Cox
Birds
Throughout the novel, birds represent hope and belief in an afterlife. This symbol originates with the death of Tommo’s father. He is killed as he rescues young Tommo from a falling tree, but at…
read analysis of Birds
Church Towers
Church towers in Private Peaceful symbolize heaven. This originates with Big Joe, because Mrs. Peaceful tells him at his father’s funeral that Mr. Peaceful is “up there,” pointing to the church tower, which…
read analysis of Church Towers
“Oranges and Lemons”
The song “Oranges and Lemons” is a symbol of hope and strength, and most importantly a reminder of family. Big Joe always sings the song to himself for comfort, so it ends up comforting Tommo…
read analysis of “Oranges and Lemons”
