Edward’s Locket Symbol Analysis

Before he moves away from Liverpool, Edward receives a locket from Mrs. Johnstone with a picture of herself and Mickey in it. Although he doesn’t know that he possesses a picture of his mother and brother, Edward treasures the locket, even getting into trouble at his boarding school for refusing to remove it when ordered to do so by a teacher. On a narrative level, the locket symbolizes the bond that Edward feels with Mickey. On a deeper level, however, the locket illuminates the connection between Edward, Mickey, and Mrs. Johnstone—a connection which, despite Mrs. Lyons’ best efforts, cannot be severed. On the question of nature vs. nurture, the locket represents Russell leaning towards the side of nature, implying that although Edward has been separated from his blood relations, he still feels a deep and powerful connection to them.