Describe symbolism in Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts

A buckeye tree is given to Novalee as a gift from Benny Goodluck while she is staying in Wal-Mart. Hoping to care for the tree properly, Novalee goes to the library seeking information. She plants the Buckeye tree at Sister's house, and the buckeye tree survives the tornado that wipes almost everything else away. The tree represents the strength and resilience of Novalee.