Beautiful Graves

Art serves as a motif for Embracing Life and Releasing Fear, such as Ever’s passion for art and Joe’s inspiration to write. At the beginning of the novel, during a girls’ trip to Spain, Pippa attempts to convince Ever to get a tattoo, and this impulsive decision represents the girls’ ability to seize life and make the most of every moment. This idea becomes especially impactful when Shen reveals that this trip marks the last time that Ever embraces her own life. After returning from Spain, he mother soon passes away in a tragic accident for which Ever blames herself, and as a result, she punishes herself by refusing to live her life. 

After her mom’s death, Ever moves to Salem to regain her “artistic mojo” (230), but she is unsuccessful until Joe reenters her life. When she tells him about her lack of artistic inspiration, he insists that she still has her talent and must find a way to let it out. Though Ever doesn’t like to admit it to herself, Joe sees the issue clearly, and she begins to realize that her fear and guilt have prompted her to lock away her dreams and desires.