The Indian Consulate Office

The Indian Consulate office is the primary setting of the novel, and symbolizes the cultural milieu of the United States. Commonly referred to as the 'melting pot,' the novel's characters are as diverse as the country at large. A total of four religions and seven ethnic backgrounds are represented by the small group, enabling the narrative to recreate the tensions of real-world America.

Water

The symbolism of water is paradoxically represented as both the source of life, and the likely cause of the death of the occupants in the basement. Securing enough potable water is the first concern of the group after the earthquake, but once this has been accomplished, water turns to a maniacal force capable of drowning them. Many of their fears derive from rising water levels in the basement, and the level of the water indicates how much time...