Trees are one of the most prevalent symbols in this text. They first come to attention through the character of Martin Hallam, who remarks on their ability to “patiently go on doing their bit” and references “the enormous courage of trees” (84). Martin says if all humans died, “the trees [would] survive it” (85). He also infers that trees are proof of God.

Trees continue to play a significant role later on. When Stephen is at war, the battered trees seem to stand for humanity’s battered faith, still standing but heavily bowed. Stephen herself can be compared to a tree because of her ability to withstand severe external attacks and because she is marked by courage. Towards the end of the novel, Mary and Stephen have a tree that has just started to grow when Martin shows up. Here, the tree resembles Martin and what will soon be his refusal to give up Mary.  

There is a certain amount of irony in the fact that saints play such a large role in this novel even though Stephen herself struggles very hard to find faith in religion. To begin with, Stephen is named after Sir Philip’s favorite saint, St.