Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Delia waits for Sykes to die in the shade of her Chinaberry tree. She knows there is no hope for his survival and she makes no moves to help him.
She could scarcely reach the Chinaberry tree, where she waited in the growing heat while inside she knew the cold river was creeping up and up to extinguish that eye which must know by now that she knew. (108)
The image of Delia finding relief in the shade during a hot Florida morning symbolizes the arrival of calm and peace at the start of a new day. If Delia ever marries again, let's hope it'll be to a guy who brings home puppies instead of snakes.