Panther

A panther is sighted in the woods surrounding the lumber camp. It's elusive and there's some question as to whether or not there actually is a panther. When Serena hears of the panther, she states that she hopes Pemberton will pursue the panther and that she would be disappointed if he does not. Later, when Serena has already made her decision to have Pemberton killed, she comments that he hasn't gotten his panther. Finally, when Pemberton lies dying in the meadow, he hears the panther coming toward him and he thinks it may be Serena coming for him. The panther symbolizes Serena. She hopes that Pemberton will follow her and continue to follow her even as she plots to move all obstacles out of their way. As such, when she realizes he is not in complete agreement with her, she states he hasn't gotten his panther...