The Raxter Phenomenon

The Raxter Phenomenon is the name officials give the Tox, and it symbolizes their effort to minimize how others perceive it.

The Initials on the Birch Tree

Hetty and Reese see the initials “BW” carved into the birch tree at the Harker house. The carved initials are a symbol that Byatt was there. Byatt had a tendency to carve her initials everywhere she went, and Hetty sees these initials as hope that Byatt is alive.

Black

Black often symbolizes death or rot, and the people, animals, and plants on Raxter Island turn black when they begin to die. This is true of the famous irises that grow abundantly, of the crabs that live along the shore, and of the people. Byatt's hands are turning black as she makes her way outside the visitor center after inhaling the poison gas but once the parasite is...