The Intertidal Zone

The intertidal zone is a metaphor for Emma’s life. Emma often discusses the intertidal zone, where high and low tides have enormous repercussions for the organisms that live there because the life-supporting conditions change hourly. Emma’s entire life revolves around the same concept: organisms can survive in two ecosystems, and Emma can survive living a double life. Emma becomes an intertidal ecologist in order to reflect the outward state of her feelings regarding her life.

Water

Water is a mirror for Emma’s emotions. Throughout the novel, Rosie Walsh uses imagery of water to illuminate Emma’s moods. Leo indicates in his opening line that Emma’s eyelashes are wet, “as if she’s been swimming in a sea of sad dreams” (5). It is raining when Emma is on the beach with Janice, mirroring both the sadness she feels from giving up...