The Lacuna

The lacuna – the underwater gap on Isla Pixol through which Harry swims – is the central symbol of the novel, symbolizing the space separating different worlds and the passageway between them. For a young Harry, the lacuna is a passageway from the present day to the ancient Mexico of the Aztecs. More widely, it symbolizes Harry’s status as a symbolic bridge between the cultures of Mexico and the United States. The lacuna also symbolizes Violet Brown’s position on the borderline of two different historical eras: one that limited the freedom and independence of women and one that allowed them to freely seek education and employment.

Diving Goggles

The diving goggles given to Harry by Leandro are symbolic of the ability to look into another world and learn lessons from it that can help in your own world. Originally, Harry uses the diving goggles to...