The War I Finally Won

Ada’s new shoes, set in pride of place in her new bedroom, “where [Ada] could see them if [she] woke up in the night” (40), symbolize her joy at now feeling “normal.” Her mother cruelly taunted her as “nobbut a monster, with that ugly foot” (32). However, after the corrective surgery, Ada feels like a normal person rather than a monster or an “unlovable cripple” (67). With her healed feet clad in new shoes, she can walk wherever she wants, which grants her a new freedom and autonomy. In fact, upon returning to Kent, Ada joyfully runs to the stable and her beloved pony Butter, another symbol of freedom and independence in Ada’s character arc. Thus, Ada’s shoes illustrate her character development as well as the importance of family, as it was Susan who fought for Ada to receive this surgery that brings her such happiness.

Oban, Jonathan’s strong and powerful Thoroughbred horse, symbolizes Ada’s growing courage. When Jonathan secretly visits the girls in Kent, he lets Ada ride Oban. When Oban is spooked by a grouse and suddenly runs, Ada is initially terrified but quickly regains her courage and relishes the moment: “Oban was flying, and I was flying with him” (233).