Between Shades of Gray

Between Shades of Gray

by

Ruta Sepetys

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Andrius’ Stone Symbol Analysis

Andrius’ Stone Symbol Icon

While on a bucket run during the train journey, Andrius finds an oval stone full of quartz and other minerals. Stripped of all their worldly possessions, including jewelry and other ornaments, the deportees ooh and ah over the beautiful object. Andrius gives the stone to Lina, who derives strength from a beautiful object given to her by someone she admires. Lina in turn passes it to Jonas for comfort when he is ill. When he recovers, Jonas gives it back to Andrius, declaring it a lucky object. When Andrius and Lina are separated, Andrius slips it into Lina’s pocket as a permanent gift. Lina continues to cherish the stone as a memory of her feelings for Andrius, and for a potential future life they may share together. The stone represents Lina’s faith in her ability to get through her present afflictions, in order to live a better life in the future.

Andrius’ Stone Quotes in Between Shades of Gray

The Between Shades of Gray quotes below all refer to the symbol of Andrius’ Stone. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
).
Chapter 85 Quotes

I closed my eyes. I felt Andrius moving close. “I’ll see you,” he said.
“Yes, I will see you,” I whispered. “I will.”
I reached into my pocket and squeezed the stone.

Related Characters: Andrius Arvydas
Related Symbols: Andrius’ Stone
Page Number: 274
Explanation and Analysis:
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Andrius’ Stone Symbol Timeline in Between Shades of Gray

The timeline below shows where the symbol Andrius’ Stone appears in Between Shades of Gray. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 21
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon
Genocide Theme Icon
Women and Mothers Theme Icon
...but Elena replies that it is what they all needed. Andrius finds a beautiful oval stone made of quartz and minerals, and Mrs. Arvydas pretends it is a ring, calling herself... (full context)
Chapter 25
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon
Genocide Theme Icon
Women and Mothers Theme Icon
...she could draw him. He notes her looking at him, and gives her the beautiful stone he found the other day. Lina tries to give it back, but he insists that... (full context)
Chapter 27
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon
Genocide Theme Icon
Women and Mothers Theme Icon
...she has been thinking about the guard groping her. She ignores him and squeezes the stone from Andrius for comfort. Andrius playfully notes that Lina’s hair is blond once the dirt... (full context)
Chapter 52
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon
...for Christmas. Lina gives Andrius a drawing of him, and Jonas gives him the oval stone that sparkled like jewelry, which Lina had given to Jonas for strength during his bout... (full context)
Chapter 62
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon
Genocide Theme Icon
Women and Mothers Theme Icon
...months. As the truck she is loaded onto leaves, she realizes Andrius has slipped the jewel-stone into her pocket when he hugged her goodbye. She tries to stand up to indicate... (full context)
Chapter 63
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
Genocide Theme Icon
Women and Mothers Theme Icon
...Lina she saw Lina’s “boyfriend” give her something, and Lina shows Janina and Elena the stone. The passengers share rumors about the war, and hear that the Japanese bombed America, and... (full context)
Chapter 83
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon
...going home soon, to give him some hope for the future. She gives Jonas the stone Andrius gave her as a source of strength. As the storm rages, Lina goes begging... (full context)
Chapter 85
Morality, Integrity, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
Strength and Identity Theme Icon
The Power of Art Theme Icon
...on the horizon—sunlight. They have survived the winter. Lina thinks of Andrius and squeezes the stone, hoping she will see him again someday. (full context)