Water

Water is symbolic of life cycles. Throughout the novel, repeated references to and descriptions of water enact the author's explorations concerning the interconnection of all human lives. Indeed, shared water sources draw the characters together, while water shortages threaten to divide them.

Spring

The spring is symbolic of secrecy. Throughout the majority of the novel, no one but Noria's family knows about the spring. Only tea masters are aware of its existence and know its whereabouts. This secret draws the family together. Later in the novel, after Noria shows the spring to Sanja, the shared secret tightens their bond.

Books

The books Bolin gives to Noria are symbolic of knowledge. Before receiving these books, Noria had limited access to information beyond her immediate reality. Reading and studying the texts both informs and empowers her.

Discs

The discs that Noria and Sanja find and listen to together...