Billie often mentions the polka dot agate rock given to her by her friend Harriet. What do you think it means to Billie?
I believe it is a symbol of Harriet’s friendship, and it gives Billie calmness and self-nourishment that helps her identify with Harriet’s lifestyle that is different from hers.
I think it reminds her of a friend that she had a relationship with that brought her happiness. She had so few personal relationships that this person became very very special.
The rock symbolizes stability and connection—something constant in a confusing, shifting world. It also represented a rare, uncomplicated friendship with Harriet.
Billie experienced her most authentic friendship with Harriet, and the rock initiated her mindset to experience Colorado.
I think it brings to mind a special and happy connection. I find small items that bring me thoughts of a special person in my life can be very meaningful.
About 60 years ago while agate hunting my mom found an unusual gray agate. Dad polished it for her, and she carried it in her purse until she passed five years ago. It’s in my purse now. A gentle reminder of my parents and childhood adventures.
I was wondering what became of Harriet and thought she might make another appearance in the story. She was Billie’s “rock” for a short amount of time,
I wondered if it was because the rock was “drusy,” a type of crystal which some believe brings peace of mind and spiritual healing, according to the all-knowing Google. Helen actually informs her of this, so I’m wondering if the agate was important for that reason as well - that it might help keep her inner voice quiet.
The author had Harriet disappear once she had impacted Billie’s life. Perhaps the fact that they had a somewhat normal friendship was enough for Billie to realize something about friendships. Harriet also introduced the Colorado dream for Billie, and the rock was a reminder. IF Harriet had reappeared I’m unsure what role she would have played in the story.
Billie was immediately attracted to the rock, and it reminded her of her friendship with Harriet and her dream of going to Colorado. As Kim mentioned, maybe she was attracted to the rock because of it being drusy. The sparkles may have helped it stand out too. The rock was something that she could physically hold on to.
I feel that Harriet was Billie first real friend. It showed Billie that she could have real friends but she didn’t have too much luck making friends. Most people either took advantage of her or thought she was weird. Having had Harriet as a friend helped Billie have something good to remember happening to her.
Like a well-worn comfort blanket, but conveniently much smaller, I think the rock soothted her with the memories she had of her friend, Harriet.
I think it represents a happy time in her life when she actually had a friend. She had never had one prior to meeting Harriet nor did she have another after Harriet moved away. Also when Harriet described the beauty of Colorado, it inspired Billie to set the goal of living in Colorado when she was older.
I think it was a special rock that reminded her of her special friend Harriet. I wished Harriet would have appeared again in the story.
There were very few people in Billie’s life who wanted to be her friend and who actually gave her a gift she truly appreciated. Friendships are always valuable, perhaps especially so when you are a child and especially when they are so hard to land. I loved that rock and what it stood for.
It meant friendship, finally someone liked her and did not think she was an oddball.