Old woman in "Guts"

The old woman Sheila sees in the movie theater in "Guts" is a symbolic representation of the sick and injured people she sees (or imagines she sees) everywhere she goes. She describes the woman as the epitome of "every frail grandma, every elderly aunt I never visit, every maternal figure who has loved me in spite of my selfishness" (5). Sheila watches as Tim gives the woman directions, completely unmoved by her frailty, while Sheila herself is overwhelmed by empathy.

Psychedelic mushrooms in "Glow Hunter"

The mushrooms Sara and Bo are searching for throughout Texas in "Glow Hunter" are a symbol of the adventurous spirit Sara finds she takes on in Bo's presence. Bo is naturally outgoing and bold, and she has told Sara this should be her "Summer of Yes" (40). Consequently, Sara is motivated to do something she might not normally do otherwise...