My Interpretation of the Title "The Glow of Copper"

"The Glow of Copper" focuses on Hattie Slocum's feelings as her former home undergoes costly renovations that only its new owners can afford. Hattie, in her worn out truck, drives by the house every couple of months to view the changes. In addition to new paint, the house has new storm windows, doors and skylights. The garden that fed her family blooms with flowers instead of vegetables. A new roof replaces the three-colored roof of her family's house. Hattie remembers not having enough money to purchase the same color shingles. She describes the new roof as "flashing with copper," giving the title of the story significance.

After much coaxing, Hattie views the inside of the house. Hattie is surrounded by the glow of copper (money) and feels bitter as she walks toward the house. A chimney and furnace replaces the wood stove. Sparkling crushed stone covers the muddy driveway that she hiked during the Spring because she could not afford gravel. The barn, with its new cedar shingles, reminds her of Toby grazing in the field. Hattie could not pay the vet bill when Toby became sick and she buried him next to the barn after he died. Suzie's bridal wreath and Daddy's lilac are replaced with strange looking plants. Seeing the bamboo gone, Hattie remarks to herself "no matter how smart or rich you areyou can't wipe out bamboo." The catwalk to the front door has new paving brick instead of the second handed chimney brick Hattie could afford. Upon reaching the house, Hattie is relieved to find the granite step unchanged.