Within Arm's Reach

Family photographs are a motif that represents the unbreakable bond that the McLaughlin family has with each other, no matter how distant or unharmonious they might be in any given moment. This supports the novel’s focus on the importance of Emotional Expression and Communication Within Families.

Photographs first appear when Lila shows Gracie some family photographs of them as children that Catharine left at the house. Lila explains, “They were in an envelope with our names on it under one of the magnets on the refrigerator” (44). Gracie remembers that they were rivals who constantly tried to upstage each other and did not like each other. However, even then, they were able to get along enough to join together for a picture. Catharine leaving them at the house shows that she has been subtly trying to get Gracie and Lila to connect as sisters and bond.

They appear again in Catharine’s room multiple times, where family photographs decorate it. They connect Catharine to her children and grandchildren and show her that they are always with her and will always be connected. The pictures provide comfort to Catharine, and Noreen notices them, seeing how devoted she is to her family.