Hastey's Drunkenness

This is a symbol that there is something wrong in Hastey's life. Hastey seems to see being drunk as the only way to cope with the lack of self-esteem that began when he was young combined with his guilt over Kimi's death.

The Shrub in the Clearing

This shrub symbolizes Archie's guilt over Kimi's death and his effort to pay tribute to her in the only way he can. Archie has continued to plant shrubs in the clearing for years, despite the fact that each one dies. When Tracy returns to the clearing to plant shrubs for Kimi, Archie, and others who have died, she discovers that Archie's final plant is surviving, which is a symbol of healing.

Suicide

Suicides are symbols of the level of pain the characters feel, making them believe that death is the only way to cope with that pain. Tracy's...