Fire

The twins’ fire symbolizes personal eccentricities and tribulations. Madison and Jasper wishes to the twins’ fire from the world, as it is strange and unprecedented. Madison worries it would be bad for Jasper’s career if the public found out. However, by the end of the novel, the twins seem to have increasing control over the fire, and Lillian and the twins even celebrate it as a unique and interesting trait.

Basketball

In the novel, basketball symbolizes both friendly and toxic competition. Lillian enjoys teaching basketball to the twins, and they enjoy playing it. However, whenever Lillian and Madison play basketball against each other, Madison becomes overly competitive, and she even accidentally injures Lillian at one point. This injury may even symbolize the dysfunction of their friendship.

Politics

Politics in the novel symbolize greed and selfishness. Madison and Jasper are both intensely politically ambitious, and their...