1. Symbols
The author symbolically uses marijuana to represent the effects of drug addiction. Miles and Carole are dating, and the reader realizes that they are both drug addicts. For instance, when Carole and Miles visit their friend at the LCD factory, they take the acid and contrast its special effects with marijuana. In addition, the author indicates that the abuse of drugs leads to paranoia. Miles and Carole are aware that drug abuse is illegal, and they fear being caught up with the law.
Mexico
Mexico symbolizes the drug den where dangerous gangs are located. Besides the praises of Mexico as a tourist destination hub, it is a dangerous zone for unsuspecting visitors. When Miles and Carole set their journey to Mexico, they are optimistic that they will have a good life. However, upon arriving and attending a few parties, Miles and his girlfriend realize that they are in a dangerous zone which makes their life miserable than when at home. Criminal gangs harass miles and Carole. Similarly, the local people insult them, calling them names, making their stay in Mexico a horrible experience.
Miles
Despite Miles being a drug addict, he is a symbol of determination and inspiration. Miles takes readers through his boxing career before he quit to start creative writing. After getting a boxing scholarship, Miles engaged in several street fights and won all of them through knockouts. Miles describes himself as a lightweight individual with flat muscles, but he hits his opponents with the power of a big man. Miles insists that the secret behind his big wins is determination and fighting with the whole of his heart. Miles says, "I had had over two hundred street fights, though most of them were before I started creative writing – won every one, nearly all by knockouts, mainly because I fight when I have to and then fight with my whole heart, give my life over it and I am fast in my lightweight but can hit with the power of a big man. "
The Love Street
The love street symbolizes drug dealings where addicts can get the stuff at good prices. When the reader first comes across the phrase 'Love Street,' he thinks it is a place of romance, but it is a black market where drugs are bought at a low price. Miles says, "…Love Street had turned out to be –since black market drugs bought such a good price – an underworld complete with murder for gain.”
The Acid
The acid is a drug experimented by Carole, Miles, and their friends at the pad. The acid symbolically represents the value of the prohibited drugs. The acid is costly, and the drug dealers in the book project to make a very good profit. When Skinny Hippie purchases the acid, Reggie tells him that a piece goes for a thousand dollars! Consequently, the reader understands that the business of drug abuse is on the boom because it attracts good profits.
