Captain Harris' Advice

Captain Harris' advice to Cassie symbolizes the historical and persistent nature of misogyny. Before Cassie transfers to the Lillian Fire Department, her captain in Austin recounts all of the horrific misogynistic treatment that she (Captain Harris) experienced in her early career. Cassie does not experience such severe misogyny in Lillian, but she does experience some lingering misogynistic dynamics that demonstrate the persistence of misogyny in modern society.

Sexual Assault

In the novel, sexual assault symbolizes the lasting trauma caused by sexual violence. Cassie was the victim of rape when she was 16 years old. The trauma of that rape made her averse to all forms of romantic/sexual intimacy. Thus, this trauma caused her to lead a very lonely existence during the following decade of her life.

Diana’s Story

Diana’s recounting of her own life story symbolizes the necessity of open and honest...