The window
The main characters in the novel often look out of the window, especially after being abused by their father. For them, these moments are extremely precious for them and they cling to these moments as much as they can. The window becomes an important element in the novel and it also one of the most important symbols, representing the possibility of freedom.
Sleep
As time progresses in the novel, Kirsty spends more and more time sleeping and hidden away in her bedroom. At that point, Kristy is no longer able to take care of herself and of her own children. From that point on, all that matters for her is sleeping as much as possible. Sleep also becomes a symbol here and is used to represent the need to escape and to find some form of safety.
Believe men
One of the main common motifs which we find in the novel is the idea that men should be believed no matter what. The main characters which are men have no trouble finding support from those around them even when they are responsible for destroying the lives of everyone around them. This motif is present from the beginning of the novel until the end and is also one of the main reasons why so much suffering takes place in the novel.
Unstable
While men are described almost all the time as being truthful and trustworthy, women are presented as being unstable and unhinged. This representation is a common motif in the novel and is used as a way of discrediting the women in the novel and making their story seem unbelievable.
The attic
Dylan tries to convince Tim to kill Ian and even tries to prepare him by giving him the chance to kill a possum in the attic of the house. The attic is the place where Tim tries to figure out if he is capable of killing Ian or not. The attic is an important place in the house and is also used as a symbol to represent the hidden thoughts and feelings of a person.
