The Book Eaters

Devon’s compass locket containing a photo of Salem is the only memento she has of her daughter and the only piece of her first marriage that she carries with her into her new life. It is arguably the only true kindness that Luton shows Devon during their marriage; however, it could also be interpreted as a device intended to manipulate her into subservience. 

The compass represents direction and drive, symbolizing Devon’s undying motivation to find her way back to her daughter. However, it’s also notable that Devon receives the locket shortly before she runs away and abandons the person she swore to protect. Devon incorporates it into her yearly vigil on Salem’s birthday, a process that is both painful and cathartic. In this way, holding onto the locket becomes a way of punishing herself for letting Salem go. 

Devon uses the locket to prevent herself from forgetting what she left behind and moving on. Finally, the photo in her locket is a snapshot of a moment in time; the Salem that Devon carries with her never ages or experiences pain. By carrying her daughter in an immutable image, Devon doesn’t have to face the intervening years that separate them—Salem will always be the little girl she knew.