Comment on theme

The motif of fear runs throughout the narrative; it moves the plot forward and serves to characterize Cass. Fear first shows itself through Matthew’s insistence that Cass not take the shortcut through the woods. This fear follows her in the woods. First she is afraid that she is going to get stuck. When she sees Jane’s car, she fears what could have happened to the woman in the car, but then she fears what might happen to her if she gets out of the car.