The Train

Catherine takes a train to Montana. Starting the novel with her train trip represents the journey she's taking. This journey is not just a physical one. It is also one that will help her grow as a person and find her identity.

John H also takes a train to Montana which represents the journey that lets him live out his identity.

The East Coast

Both Catherine and John H hail from the East Coast and for both it represents rules and restraints. There Catherine's family has Wedgwood china, Catherine has to watch her language and wears silk pajamas, has clean nails, plays the piano and gets engaged to the right person given her social status.

Society takes John H away from his father because he's working instead of going to school and the family he's sent to live with sends their own daughter away because of her...