Blue Fairy

The Blue Fairy functions as a protective guardian for Louisiana throughout the novel. Having grown up without a strong role model, Louisiana is reliant on an external, fantastical figure to provide some sense of comfort through her life. The Blue Fairy first makes an appearance when Louisiana was drowning. As Louisiana grows out of her shell of childlike imagination, the Blue Fairy transforms into Betty Allen, an actual person who takes Louisiana in and serves as a stable, maternal figure.

Cake

For Louisiana, cake symbolizes that stability and tradition of a family, something she has not experienced in her life. The smell of cake is originally overwhelming for Louisiana, as it is a foreign smell, and she faints easily. Louisiana's desire to win a cake at the raffle is indicative of a new change in her life, where she finally has an option of becoming...