Birds

Birds are used as continuing metaphors throughout the novel. The author uses them to describe thoughts inside a character's mind, to describe formations of fish, or to indicate a desire for a character's mind and emotions to 'take flight'. They also show up in their literal forms many times throughout the novel, including the name of one of the characters, Ghost Bird.

Light

Light is presented throughout the novel, too. In most instances it indicates enlightenment, such as the light that is emitted from the 8 petaled flower. Saul's lighthouse beacon is another light, and the light Ghost Bird feels that directs her movements and brings clarity is another light. At one point, Saul remarks that people are like a beacon because they are their own lighthouse.

Father's Carving

Control keeps a chess piece that his father had carved. It is shaped like a cat and reminds...