Describe symbolism in Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

In Chapter 1, the author, Patricia MacLachlan, begins to develop one of her primary themes, loss, and she uses symbolism to establish this theme. The pain of losing Mama has not subsided for the children, although several years have passed since her death. The fact that Papa doesn't sing anymore conveys the lack of joy in his existence. Little Caleb, whose birth coincided with Mama's death, has never heard Papa sing. Caleb pleads for his sister to teach him the old songs, but neither Anna nor Papa is capable of remembering the words. Thus, song is established as symbolism for happiness, and the lack of singing in the household indicates the sadness that has permeated this family's life since Mama died. Papa and Anna's inability to recall the old songs indicates that these two characters do not even remember what it was like to be happy.

MacLachlan uses the natural symbolism of weather and the seasons to foreshadow a change in the family's emotional weather, however, indicating to the reader that there is new hope for familial happiness. As the story opens, the ice and snow of winter is gradually giving way to the rebirth of spring. Young Anna likens the dark days of winter to the unhappiness she felt immediately after Mama's death. Thus, the arrival of Sarah's letter and the beginning of the spring thaw become linked in the reader's mind with the rebirth of hope.