Shadows (A symbol)
Shadows are a symbol of mysteries and unsolved riddles. Many years ago, our ancestors believed in supernatural attributes of them and often feared them. Although we don’t do it now, shadows often portrayed in literature and movies. For instance, Ella, Noah and Richie are often warned against shadows. “ Beware of the shadows ”, they say and a reader gets a feeling that a shadow is something evil and harmful. They are also a symbol of suspense. “ So deep and dark were the shadows that they hid his face, his eyes, his intentions ”.
The zoo (Allegory)
The zoo described in this story is an allegory of the world, where people and animals live in harmony. When the kids get inside of the zoo and manage to sneak into a hidden and secret part of it, they are surprised, for it looks like a “ fairy tale about the union of humans and animals, city and nature ”
Friendship (Motif)
Friendship is one of the main motifs of this story. It said that, “ real friendship was stronger than anything else in the world ” and this statement was proved. If Noah wouldn’t have Ella and Richie as his friends, he would probably never be able to save his sisters. The book portrays that rare kind of friendship, which wins everything and exists despite all the dangers.
