Colonel Drake Highway

This Colonel Drake Highway symbolizes Bakerton’s connection with the rest of the world. This highway’s namesake is the historical figure credited with creating industry and civilization in Bakerton. Throughout the novel, this road is referenced as the main route into and out of Bakerton. The Dark Elephant employees, the rig workers, Darren, Rena, and more are depicted driving down this highway as a dividing line. Significantly, other characters never come close to the Colonel Drake Highway.

Mouse Trap

The Mouse Trap game that Wesley Peacock plays symbolizes the containment and isolation that dominate his childhood. Homeschooled, he is alone or with his mother most of the time, and he plays this 2-4-player game by himself. The object of the game is to cross the board without getting trapped; because Wesley plays by himself, he is always the one trapped.

Shelby's Clothes