Fear

The motif of fear runs throughout the narrative; it moves the plot forward and serves to characterize Cass. Fear first shows itself through Matthew’s insistence that Cass not take the shortcut through the woods. This fear follows her in the woods. First she is afraid that she is going to get stuck. When she sees Jane’s car, she fears what could have happened to the woman in the car, but then she fears what might happen to her if she gets out of the car.

Fear next moves the plot forward as Cass fears that the murderer is after her. This thought makes the silent calls she receives menacing. It also heightens the tension in the scenes in which Cass sees the man coming from the woods near the house and the times when she thinks that someone is watching her. Fear also moves...