Boat

The boat Boulder works on at the novel's start is symbolic of independence. She is not only untethered from societal conventions, but is able to work alone. No one knows the full story behind her life, and she is thus free to be whomever she wants. Her experiences on board the boat grant her a sense of autonomy and agency.

Food

References to and images of food throughout the novel are symbolic of desire. The author often uses the same verbs and adjectives to describe scenes of Boulder cooking as she does to describe Boulder's sexual experiences and fantasies. Therefore, Boulder's love of food and cooking grants her a sense of intimacy and satisfaction when she feels most overcome by longing.

Ocean

The ocean is symbolic of freedom. Boulder indeed feels at peace while living and working at sea, because being on the water affords her...