Blood Points

Blood Points—money and favors that Links receive for committing acts of violence even outside of the arena—are a symbol of the blood lust that motivates the viewers of Chain-Gang All-Stars throughout the novel. Their inclusion makes clear that the viewer base is interested in more than merely one-on-one battles from a sporting perspective; they want blood to be spilled during the interstitial periods as well. This buttresses the gradual development of a violent streak in Emily, who goes from socially conscious pacifist to vocal supporter of retributive justice, calling for Singer to murder Craft in revenge for Craft's own killings.

Staxxx's Hugs

The hugs that Staxxx gives her fellow Chain members, and her habit of saying that she loves the people she is killing, are symbols of her enduring belief in the value of human life. Although most of the Links have become...