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Lilies traditionally symbolize faith and hope. In Christianity, they are associated with Easter, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Their trumpet shape symbolizes His victory over death. Because of the association, lilies are often given to mourners at funerals. The lilies delivered to the Sheridan house foreshadow the death later in the story.
In preparation for the party, Jose practices singing the song “This Life Is Weary” while Meg accompanies her on piano. The elegiac nature of the song reflects a deep sorrow for lost love and life, foreshadowing Mr. Scott’s death. Jose's demeanor while singing anticipates her later inappropriate reaction to the news of Mr. Scott's demise, marked by a "dreadfully unsympathetic smile" towards the song's conclusion. This unsympathetic disposition persists when Laura informs Jose of Mr. Scott's death. The song also serves as a prelude to Laura's reaction to Mr. Scott's lifeless body. With the final line, "A Dream — a Wa-kening," the weary life Mr. Scott has lived is juxtaposed with Laura's belief that, in death, he dreams. His serene countenance suggests an "awakening" to a beautiful afterlife. Intriguingly, the song also alludes to Laura's own awakening, foreshadowing a transformative epiphany she experiences at his side.
In addition, Laura’s black hat with its black ribbon foreshadows her visit to Mr. Scott’s corpse. Despite its extravagance, the dark color would make it a fitting hat to wear to a wake or funeral.
