Bear

The bear is symbolic of danger and fear to Sam. The bear's unprecedented arrival on San Juan disrupts her otherwise predictable reality and dismantles her sense of order. Furthermore, the bear poses a threat to Sam's sisterhood, in that Elena's relationship with him draws the sisters apart. Sam fears the bear, because she fears losing Elena.

San Juan

San Juan is symbolic of entrapment. As an island, the setting is surrounded by water, and thus geographically dislocated from the Washington State mainland. Furthermore, Sam feels that the island is holding her and Elena hostage, because she does not believe they can start their real lives or become their true selves until they leave.

Arthur House

The Arthur family's house is symbolic of the past. The house belonged to the Arthur sisters' grandmother, and she later passed it down to their mother. The sisters are meant to...