Nature and the Wild:
* The Forest: Represents the untamed, primal, and dangerous aspects of nature. It is a place of transformation, where the werewolf can shed its human form and embrace its animal nature.
* The Wolf: Represents the werewolf's animalistic instincts, power, and aggression. It also symbolizes the primal, untamed aspects of human nature.
* The Moon: Represents the cyclical nature of life, transformation, and the supernatural. Its influence is linked to the werewolf's transformations.
* The River: Represents the boundary between the civilized and the wild. It is a place of passage and change.
Gender and Sexuality:
* The Werewolf: Can be seen as a representation of female power and sexuality, particularly as it is associated with menstruation and the moon's cycles. However, it can also be seen as a threatening, even monstrous, force, reflecting societal anxieties around female sexuality.
* The Woman: The female characters in the story, especially the mother and the daughter, are often associated with the natural world and the cycle of life. They embody both the power and the vulnerability of women.
Power and Control:
* The Gun: Represents the power of the male world and its ability to control and suppress the wild. It is also a symbol of violence and dominance.
* The Knife: Represents the danger and violence that lie within both the human and animal world. It can be a tool for self-defense or a weapon of aggression.
Other Symbols:
* The Clock: Represents the relentless march of time and the inevitability of change.
* The Mirror: Represents the reflection of the self and the duality of human nature.
It's important to note that these symbols can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the reader's perspective. Carter intentionally leaves room for ambiguity and invites the reader to engage with the story's complex meanings.