Wait Till Helen Comes

Hahn not only utilizes the graveyard to establish the novel’s ghostly setting but also to illuminate the personalities of her characters. The graveyard represents different things to different characters. Michael sees the graveyard as a source of knowledge—“an archaeological project” (31). He is excited to learn about how those interred there died and even wishes he could examine their bones. Mr. Simmons has personal knowledge of some of the people buried there, who include family members, and sees the graveyard as a resting place for them and a source of memories and history for him. Dave believes that the graveyard represents a physical locus for Heather to come to terms psychologically with her mother’s death. Heather sees the graveyard as a source of friendship, exclusive love, and perhaps also the death or isolation she guiltily feels she deserves. Mom finds the old graveyard peaceful.

Only Molly finds the graveyard terrifying. The cemetery holds horror-film-worthy associations for her, which prove terrifyingly true. Molly alone picks up on the graveyard’s spooky atmosphere and the sinister nature of Helen. The graveyard also represents Molly’s fear of death.