But the Symbolism. . .
The major things I remember Jace giving to people in The Shadowhunter Chronicles are two witchlights, and a dagger/knife and a stele.
Okay, but let's look at it. He gave witchlights to two people: Clary and Mark. And the weapons to Emma and Kit.
The one thing all four of them had in common was that they were ripped from their old lives and had to figure out something entirely new, dealing with an incredible amount of loss.
Jace could have given Mark a knife - it probably would've come in useful in Faerie. But no, Mark was a diplomat, he says as much to Emma in Queen of Air and Darkness. And Clary is an artist. Neither of them would've properly appreciated the weapons, but the witchlights are like an symbol of turning on the light in dark times. And I think Jace understood that, how he came to the Lightwoods after being orphaned. How he began to love again and discover himself after the wars.
But Emma and Kit - they are warriors. Kit's also an amateur detective and an experienced crook, but moving on. They're fighters. They love and use the knife/dagger or stele given to them. They wanted revenge for their parents, something Jace understood as well.
It was a symbol of everything that had marked her life after the War. Clary had given her words, and she treasured them: Jace had given her a stele, and with it given a griefstricken and frightened girl a purpose. When she touched the stele, it whispered that purpose to her: The future is yours now. Make it what you will.
Jace gives the things to them in their opening books, Clary in City of Bones, Mark and Emma in City of Heavenly Fire, and Kit in Queen of Air and Darkness and Secrets of the Blackthorn Hall. When they begin figuring out who they want to be and whom they love after tragedy.
This relation and symbolism is beautiful, but also illustrates Jace's understanding of the people around him, which I really appreciate.
