Investigative Journalism (motif)
The motif of investigative journalism drives the story by allowing the reader to experience Pip's journey of discovery and her struggles to uncover the truth about what happened to Andie and Sal. Pip's investigation forces her to question her morals and consider the risks that her quest for answers may entail. She must assess the potential consequences of her actions and determine whether they are worthwhile to pursue. The theme of investigative journalism is also used to emphasize the importance of seeking justice and the power of truth. Pip discovers through her investigation that the truth is frequently hidden beneath the surface and can be difficult to uncover without assistance.
Mr. Wad’s old home (symbol)
Mr. Wad's old house represents the town of Fairview's secrets and lies. It is a physical representation of the town's dark underbelly, a place where secrets and lies are both literally and metaphorically hidden. It is a dangerous and deceptive environment in which Mr. Wad was able to keep Andie's sister Becca captive and conceal the truth about Andie's death.
Public Shame (motif)
The motif of public shame is seen in how Sal is judged and accused by the Fairview community before all of the facts are known, and in how the townspeople gossip and speculate about the case without any real evidence to back up their claims. This public shame can also be seen in how Pip is shunned by her peers for her actions and beliefs, as well as how members of the community make assumptions and judgments about Pip's character based on their preconceived notions. The theme of public shame emphasizes the dangers of jumping to conclusions and judging people before all of the facts are known.
The threatening notes (symbol)
The threatening notes represent the risk Pip is willing to take as she continues her investigation. They also serve as a warning to her to back off and stop digging into the Fairview community's secrets. Finally, the threatening notes represent the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets and keep the truth hidden. They also represent the power of fear and lies to keep people from discovering the truth.
Deception (motif)
Deception appears throughout the novel in various forms, from the lies Pip must tell to obtain information about the case to the deceptions that the suspects have been practicing for years. Pip is also duped by people she trusts, such as Max and Ravi. They both have secrets that they don't tell Pip and when she finds out, she feels hurt and betrayed. Deception is used to keep secrets hidden, gain power, and manipulate the truth. Mr. Ward lies to Pip and the rest of the community to protect his secrets, while Becca lies to everyone to protect herself. Max deceives Pip to gain her trust, whereas Ravi deceives her to protect his brother. Characters in the book deceive each other in order to gain power and control over the situation.
