The Lake

The lake functions throughout the novel as a symbol of the exploitative underworld that lurks within the seemingly normal community of Falls Landing. Although the surface waters of the lake are placid, beneath there lurks a mysterious and terrifying monster, one that stands in as a substitute for the ring of sexual exploitation that is run by Star Search. As such, the lake becomes a crucible not only for the specific wrongs done by Stone and Mia's mother but also for the subterranean impacts of patriarchy and exploitation in women's lives.

Sammy's Hair

Sammy's hair, which she famously chops off toward the beginning of the novel, is a symbol of her refusal to continue conforming to the beauty standards that have put her in peril of assault. When Sammy chops off the hair, it is obviously a response to the trauma she has sustained thanks...