The barbeque

The barbeque serves as the watershed event for the novel. It is the symbolic point around which the novel revolves. It becomes the fixed point between past and present. The barbeque becomes the point which threatens the marriage of Sam and Clementine, strengthens the marriage of Oliver and Erika, and reinforces the marriage of Vid and Tiffany.

Vid’s invitation to a barbeque

Vid’s invitation to a barbeque is an omen of bad things to come. Vid, because of the gorgeous weather, extends an invitation to Erika, Oliver, Sam, Clementine, and Ruby and Holly. All of the characters in the novel wish the barbeque had never happened because the barbeque lead to the almost-drowning of Ruby.

Human eggs

Human eggs symbolize friendship and family. Erika wants to begin a family with Oliver because Oliver wants children. They decide they will ask Clementine to donate...