Cecily's Intelligence Work

Cecily's intelligence work is symbolic of purpose. Before Fujiwara recruits her, Cecily is angry and restless. After she becomes Fujiwara's informant, she feels more balanced and calm. The work grants her a sense of meaning and control, and thus makes her feel valuable.

Wheelbarrow

Yuki's wheelbarrow is symbolic of escape. The wheelbarrow grants both Yuki and Jasmin a retreat from their otherwise unprecedented circumstances. They pretend the wheelbarrow is magic, and thus invisible to adults. The structure gives the girls a place to hide and affords them safety.

Freddie's Drawings

Freddie's drawings are symbolic of memory. When Abel first sees Freddie drawing in the coop, Freddie explains that he is recording his experiences at the camp so he does not forget them. Abel does not immediately understand because he does everything in his power to numb himself to the camp and thus to forget...