After Jaja refuses to take Communion, defying Papa, and Papa breaks the figurines, the family is forever changed. This change is neither all bad nor all good. It marks the beginning of the end of Papa's oppressive rule. Mama speaks louder, smiles a little, and doesn't sneak around. Jaja continues to defy Papa without consequence. Yet, something about the new state of things is still going to hurt them, the way glass can cut after breaking. The symbol of the figurines as representing their submission to Papa's rule is clarified in this metaphor.