Marsh

The marsh symbolizes self-reliance and symbiosis with nature. After Kya’s family abandons her in the shack in the swamp, Kya decides to make a life for herself there. She loves exploring and learning about the plants and animals of the swamp, and she lives a general isolated life.

Poetry

Poetry symbolizes the comforting, nurturing nature of art. After Tate teaches Kya to read, he introduces her to poetry. Kya finds poetry very fulfilling to read and write, and she begins to write and publish poetry under the pseudonym Amanda Hamilton. Poetry often gives Kya comfort in times of distress.

Reading and Learning

Reading and learning symbolize the transformative and redemptive dynamics of education. After Tate teaches Kya to read, she becomes an autodidact, reading increasingly advanced books about subjects like ecology and biology. Kya’s studies eventually enable her to become a professional naturalist.

Kya’s Collection