Impulse Setting & Symbolism

Impulse Objects/Places

Aspen Springs

Aspen Springs is a psychiatric hospital located twenty miles away from Tahoe in Nevada. It is where the majority of the novel "Impulse" occurs, and where Tony, Vanessa, and Conner begin to get their lives back on track.

Perimeter Track

The perimeter track extends around Aspen Springs psychiatric hospital. It is used by Conner and Tony to go running in the spring when the snow melts.

Dining Room

The dining room is where Tony, Vanessa, and Conner begin to socialize and eat their meals. It becomes something of a common ground between the three of them.

Redwood Room

The Redwood Room is located at Aspen Springs psychiatric hospital. It is the room in which Conner stays.

Black Rock Desert

Black Rock Desert is a beautiful desert landscape where Aspen Springs has a wilderness camp program, the final stage before patients are released. It is where Tony and Vanessa declare their love for one another, and where Conner commits suicide.