- Blackberries represent Sal's journey. They are a reminder of the challenges she faces and the obstacles she must overcome as she travels across the country with her grandparents.
- The blackberry bushes also symbolize Sal's memories and emotions. When Sal picks the blackberries, she is able to connect with her mother, who loved to eat blackberries.
- The blood-red juice of the blackberries also represents the loss of innocence and the coming of age. Sal is no longer a child, and she must now face the difficulties and complexities of the adult world.
Mom's Journal
- Sal's mother's journal is a recurring symbol in the story. It represents the connection between Sal and her mother and the way that her mother's death affects Sal's life.
- The journal also contains clues about Sal's father, who abandoned the family when Sal was young.
Kiss
- The kiss between Sal and her friend Phoebe symbolizes their friendship and support for each other. It also represents the power of love to overcome困难。
Chicken
- The chicken that Sal and her grandparents see on the road is a symbol of hope. It represents the possibility of new life and the beginning of a new chapter in Sal's life.
Nature vs. Human Existence
- The novel also explores the contrast between nature and human existence. The natural world is often depicted as peaceful and serene, while the human world is often depicted as chaotic and violent.
- Sal finds that she can connect with her inner self and find peace when she is surrounded by nature. In contrast, she feels overwhelmed and lost when she is in the human world.