chapter 9

The image of the bird nest is a key symbol worth exploring further. When Cole first sees the nest in the tree above him, he feels jealous of the baby birds that have someone who loves them—the mother bird. The baby birds are a symbol of the love and affection that Cole has so craved but has not let into his life.Still he feels compassion for them as they lay there broken like he is. This is Cole's first inclination that he can care about something other than himself, he can be a force for good.