Climbing

Climbing is symbolic of life's trials. Throughout the novel, the author uses Sam's climbing habits to represent all that she is learning about life. While climbing, she must overcome obstacles and resolve complicated problems. The same is true of her personal life. She eventually begins to apply these lessons from the wall to her familial, romantic, and academic experiences.

Shoes from Mitchell

The climbing shoes that Mitchell gives Sam are symbolic of disappointment. Although Mitchell hopes the gift will compel his daughter to forgive him, the shoes have the opposite effect. Sam realizes that they are the wrong size, something Mitchell would have gotten right if he were around more. The gift is thus a representation of the ways Mitchell has and will continue to disappoint Sam.

Tipped Boulder

The tipped boulder at Red Rocks is symbolic of determination. For months on end, Sam and Justin...