Blue jays are a recurring motif in the novel, symbolizing resilience and freedom. They first appear in the novel because Mrs. V has a particular fondness for them and leaves them birdseed. Mrs. V, in turn, connects the bids with Melody, commenting that the birds and Melody are both “scrappy and tough” (13). As Melody watches the jays and envies their ability to simply lift their wings and fly, she notices Miss Gertie’s fall and rushes to take action. In this way, the blue jays come to represent Melody’s own physical and metaphorical “flight,” for this inciting incident leads to her life-changing trip to London, where she expands her own horizons. Throughout the novel, whenever Melody thinks of the blue jays or notices a blue bird that reminds her of Mrs. V’s jays, the protagonist uncovers new reserves of strength and resilience as the jays remind her of Mrs. V’s unwavering support and belief in Melody’s abilities. The jays also remind Melody of her quest for freedom and independence.

At the end of the novel, Melody reflects on how far she has come and realizes that it all began with a single blue jay that drew her attention out the window.