Answer:
1. The earrings signify Ama's Pride.
2. Lakshmi's dowry (the prized possession to be given to Lakshmi's in-law on her wedding day), would not be paid.
Explanation:
'Sold' by Patricia McCormick tells the story of a family in India, who struggled financially to meet up to their needs. There is Ama, the Mother of the house, Lakshmi her daughter, and Ama's husband who happens to be Lakshmi's step-father. The father of the house is a loafer who spends all his monies on gambling and irrelevant things. Lakshmi adores her mother Ama who raised the family on her own, carrying all the financial burdens.
Ama's earrings is described as the<em> joyful noise of tinkling gold</em>. It signifies Ama's pride. The family hoped it would serve as Lakshmi's dowry, but they decide to sell it when things become really difficult. This means that Lakshmi's dowry would not be paid.
