The Necromantic Sigil (symbol)
The sigil that represents necromancy is a powerful symbol in Hell Bent. It symbolizes the control over life and death, a representation of both knowledge and power. For Alex, it also signifies her entry into a world of dark magic and the responsibility that comes with wielding it. The sigil is not just a magical tool, but a constant reminder of the moral and ethical boundaries that she is forced to navigate.
The Ghosts of the Dead (symbol)
The ghosts that Alex interacts with throughout the novel symbolize the thin boundary between life and death. They also represent the consequences of the characters’ actions in life, suggesting that the past never truly stays dead. These spectral figures serve as a constant reminder of the unfinished business and unresolved guilt that characters must confront.
The House of the Dead (allegory)
The secret societies at Yale, especially the necromantic house that Alex is thrust into, can be seen as an allegory for the corrupting influence of power. The House of the Dead represents how the pursuit of knowledge and immortality often leads to moral decay. The more the characters dabble in necromancy, the more they lose their humanity, mirroring how the quest for power can corrupt one’s soul.
The Struggle Between Life and Death (allegory)
Throughout Hell Bent, Alex is torn between the desire to use necromancy for her own benefit and the moral implications of manipulating death. This struggle can be read as an allegory for the conflict between free will and the consequences of one's actions. Alex's journey represents the larger allegorical struggle of confronting and accepting the boundaries of life and death.
The Undead (motif)
A recurring motif in Hell Bent is the presence of the undead—whether in the form of ghosts, reanimated corpses, or the literal dead. These figures represent the cyclical nature of life and death, as well as the ways in which the past continuously influences the present. The motif highlights the idea that death is not an end but a persistent force that must be reckoned with.
Forbidden Knowledge (motif)
The motif of forbidden knowledge is prevalent throughout the novel, particularly with necromancy and the secret societies at Yale. This recurring theme explores the dangers of seeking out truths that are meant to remain hidden. The characters' pursuit of forbidden knowledge often leads to unintended consequences, reinforcing the idea that some things are better left unknown or untouched.
