Brooklyn's Tweed Courthouse

The large Tweed Courthouse in Brooklyn represents the inherent deception that is always present in New York City. The courthouse was built during an earlier era, when politics were even more corrupt -- although the problem has of course not gone away by the time Marie is an adult.

Deer hunting

Helene's success in deer hunting represents her tendency to dominate over her younger sister, Marie. Helene successfully shoots and kills a deer, when taken out for her birthday by Bill, while Marie is disturbed by the sight and throws up.

Boxing

The sport of boxing represents a release of the private aggression that both Helene and Marie carry within them. Helene uses boxing as an outlet to physically dominate Marie during her time at Fort Bragg, and Marie also uses boxing as an outlet to release her frustration after her first meeting with...