How does Omar S. Castaneda use imagery in Among the Volcanoes?

Throughout the novel, Castañeda uses bird imagery. Everywhere Isabel goes, there are birds of all shapes and sizes. Birds are meaningful to Isabel because they represent freedom from worry and duty. She wishes she could be a bird and fly away from her difficult life. Living in the lush environment of Central America, Isabel would encounter a variety of birds on a daily basis, so their inclusion in the story is realistic. Castañeda refers to them subtly throughout the book as a constant reminder of Isabel's longing to be free.