Symbolism

"'You know, Ruth, we should try and sort it out, what happened the other day." - pg. 199

I think the bus shelters and barns that seem to surround the Cottages are very symbolic. The only problem is that I can't quite decide what exactly they symbolize. They just strike me as a safe place where they go to think and talk, a place where no one gets judged. It's certainty not an oasis or anything like that, because it isn't unreal nor does it guarantee happiness. It's just more of an honest place. Everyone seems to not be afraid to speak their mind there, no matter what the consequences may be. It's kind of like the sacrament of Reconciliation now that I think of it. It's just a place to escape to when you need to talk it out or think about things. With all the judging and petty drama that goes on at the Cottages, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy need a place like those barns and shelters to get away and be alone. Of course, that's also the place where their friendship virtually broke off, but I think it's just a minor roadblock on their journey.