Detail Polly's description of freedom.

Polly says that freedom is like "a delicate idea, like a pretty leaf in the air: It's hard to catch and may not be what you thought when you get it" (213). This idea foreshadows that freedom may not be the dream they picture; it will most likely take work and be full of surprises and sacrifice. However, it is still beautiful and something that needs to be honored and protected.