The Terns

The Arctic terns whose migration Franny is following throughout the novel, symbolize the illusion of freedom. So connected to the birds because of her husband, Franny cannot give up her mission south, despite the litany of odds against her. Following the birds south allows her to feel as if she is chasing a tangible goal. She believes that once she reaches the Antarctic, she will be liberated from her past, from her shame, and from herself. However, by the end of the novel, she realizes that freedom is not found in death, and the birds' resilience inspires her to embrace life once more.

Prison

After Franny kills two people in a car accident, she must serve several years in prison. Her time behind bars symbolizes her psychological sense of entrapment. Throughout the novel she empathizes with all wild creatures locked in cages, believing it a...