Bourbon

Bourbon represents the difficulty Darren has at saying no to people pleasing. Bourbon is often featured when Darren submits to his mother's blackmail or when he thinks of calling Randie. The new found success of his relationship with Lisa is based partly upon him drinking less and once he starts drinking again, things deteriorate.

Caddo Lake

The shallowness of Caddo Lake represents the apparent harmlessness of Jefferson. At first glance, both the lake and the town appear picturesque and innocuous. However, the reality is that neither are friendly to strangers, no when the sun goes down.

Daguerrotypes

Daguerreotypes represent the haunting quality of history, particularly for the Black characters in the novel. Darren purchased the daguerreotype of the ghost he thought he saw in his room at the Cardinal Hotel, effectively reclaiming that history. Because of the age of daguerreotypes, this symbol also speaks to the...