Islands

The two islands Lucy can see from the Maine house are symbolic of comfort. The islands remind her of a tree from her childhood. Like the tree, the islands seem friendly to Lucy, and thus grant her a sense of peace amidst her newly chaotic reality.

Ocean

The ocean is symbolic of fear. When Lucy first arrives in Maine, she is overwhelmed by the beauty of the sea. However, this awe is paired with a sense of terror. The ocean feels foreign, and with this foreignness, comes trepidation and anxiety. The vastness of the ocean also underscores the seeming vastness of Lucy's present and future lives.

Houses

The houses Lucy watches through the window while driving are symbolic of entrapment. The houses remind Lucy of the houses in Illinois from her childhood. Their appearance also affords her the same despairing feeling. The author uses the houses...