55 pages • 1 hour read
Rules of Civility
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Tinker’s Lighter
After an early success, Tinker bought a gold lighter and had it professionally engraved with his initials—a symbol of the lifestyle he aspires to. The lighter also has an engraving (“1910-?”) that was crudely done at a later date by Tinker’s brother, Hank. The dates not only indicate Tinker’s birth but also emphasize that Tinker should continue to live life full of wonder because tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. Moreover, the dates symbolize that Tinker can always become a new, better version of himself and not the man indebted to Anne’s money.
Thoreau’s Walden
Katey is the first to reveal to Tinker that she holds Walden high on her list for its simplistic affirmations of life. Tinker soon takes a liking to the book because it reminds him of Katey, and he comes to believe what it preaches. Both Katey and Tinker want to live life with two or three actions, as opposed to the myriad, anxiety-ridden actions that many people face in life. Both Tinker and Katey also like the truth and simplicity of nature, something that is emphasized in Thoreau’s venture into the woods.
Washington’s Rules of Civility
Tinker received this book from his mother when he was 14 years old. He studied the book devoutly, even underlining passages, so as to better prepare himself for reentry to the upper-crust of New York society. Katey buys herself a copy of the book as a nod to Tinker.
Stuart Davis’ Paintings
Hank paints in the same style as Stuart Davis. Hank’s paintings are of working-class scenes. Tinker has authentic Stuart Davis art, but one of Hank’s paintings hangs in Tinker’s room at the Beresford apartment. When Tinker leaves the apartment and leaves Anne, it’s implied that he gives the paintings to Hank. Hank, however, sells the paintings and then burns his own, suggesting that he knows the paintings came from Anne and that he still wants nothing to do with her money. The paintings symbolize both privilege and creativity. They are the antithesis of Hank’s character, yet the bedrock on which he draws inspiration for his own art (and is probably why he burned his art after selling the Davis paintings).
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