Flora

Flora is the central symbol of "Runaway." She symbolizes Carla's entrapment in her marriage to Clark. Flora disappears at the same time Carla decides to escape from Clark, but ultimately returns, just like Carla. Flora is described has having been a "guileless girl in love" in the beginning, but ultimately became "much wiser, less skittish" (3). Flora, like Carla, is attached to Clark despite her newfound independence. At the end of the story, Carla assumes that Clark has killed Flora, a portentous realization that makes her aware of her own vulnerability living with Clark.

Rain

The rain that pummels the farm during the majority of the story symbolizes the reality of Clark and Carla's marriage. While it continues to rain, Clark and Carla struggle more and more financially. Carla ultimately starts rethinking her marriage to Clark and wondering if there is an escape for her. The rain...