Birds

Throughout the novel, birds appear frequently as figures representing freedom of movement and unfettered and natural migration. This is evident from the first few chapters, but the narrative scarcely departs from a mention of birds for more than a dozen chapters at a time. Often, McCann describes migratory patterns of various species of birds over Palestine-Israel in a clear effort to juxtapose their fluid movement with the restrictions facing Palestinians (and often Israelis looking to travel to Palestine). More developed narrative vignettes and historical descriptions involving birds include the descriptions of falconry in the Middle East, revealing their deeply engrained historical roots in an effort to add to the juxtaposition of movement with restrictions.

License Plate Color

From the very first introduction chapters for each character, license plate color becomes a symbol for national or ethnic affiliation, and thus for citizenship. A yellow license plate, which...