Cormorant

The cormorant is a symbol of greed, bad luck, and evil. Hannah and Charlie see one of these birds on their way to Cormorant Island, an island known for the birds. The sighting of this bird increases the sense of suspense and impending doom in the novel.

Wedding Cake

The wedding cake is a symbol of deception. It is indicated that the perfect, intact cake is on display in the reception tent for most of the night. When Jules and Will stand next to each other as they cut the cake, Hannah notes that they look like the perfect couple. It is noted later that the cut cake looks like a disemboweled body with the red colored cake showing. Similarly, when Will is killed, his red blood corresponds with the red insides of the cake, an analogy that indicates that even though Will appeared perfect on...