Pony

Throughout the novel, Pony serves as a symbol for nonjudgmental friendship. When he appears in front of the Bird’s house, the horse forms a connection with Silas based on their mutual experiences feeling like outsiders. In the same way that Pony is different because of his skull like markings, Silas is different because of he can see ghosts. Both Pony and Silas are unperturbed by the other’s differences and their friendships bolsters their experiences as they travel through the Woods into the canyon.

The Woods

In Pony, the Woods symbolize Silas’s fear. At the outset of the novel, Silas is afraid of the outside world and only feels safe when he is in the safety of Pa and Mittenwool. He fears that he will be rejected by others, lack the strength to face obstacles, and face physical danger. As Silas spends more time...