symbolism

[topteacher]

I love the symbols that represent death, light and communication (or lack thereof). From the ride back to the farm all the way to the smash-up, symbols of these three things are present. Cool. (no pun intended)

[V5AceJazzFreak]

I noticed that the images of light, warmth and good communication are tied to Mattie until the smash up... afterwards she loses that and Ethan is stuck in his cold winter of unending responsibility. It seems the smash up actually brought Zeena to life, but in return for the life of Maddie. Zeena could represent the responsibility that Ethan wanted to escape from, right? and Maddie could represent Ethan's hope of escape?