Auntie Po

Auntie Po's character symbolizes belief. Mei originally invents Auntie Po in order to entertain and amuse her friends. Over the course of the novel, however, Auntie Po becomes increasingly real. The characters even start seeing her around the camp and in the woods. Mei starts thinking of her as one of her gods. Auntie Po allows the characters to trust in something larger than themselves. Auntie Po guides, comforts, and strengthens each character differently throughout the novel.

Pei Pei

Pei Pei's character symbolizes gentleness. Like Auntie Po, the giant, blue buffalo is a figment of Mei's imagination. However, over the course of the novel, Mei begins to see Pei Pei whenever she feels upset. Although Pei Pei never speaks, he always shows kindness and love to Mei.

Logging

The logging work the characters perform symbolizes survival. Although the work is challenging and dangerous, the characters...