Ophelia’s Scarf

Ophelia’s scarf symbolizes a comfort and familiarity in her life. Throughout the novel, Ophelia must adapt to new changes in her life, but her old scarf is there through it all and acts as both a security blanket and reassurance that she is still her same resilient self.

Ophelia’s Illness

The fact that Ophelia experiences symptoms of illness throughout the novel represents her apparent fragility, which Dabos then contrasts with Ophelia’s dogged internal compass. Even though Ophelia is often coughing or shivering, she is able to survive and outwit all the dangerous circumstances that come her way during her time in the Pole.

The Pole

The Pole is a symbol of treachery and danger. Even before Ophelia first arrives, her great-uncle cautions her with tales of the ark’s ruthless reputation. As Ophelia begins to interact with the Pole’s society...