Handling the serpent
Zentner's vivid description of the serpent-handling at Dill's father's church paints a haunting picture. This imagery symbolizes the danger and unpredictability of Dill's life and the community's fervent, yet potentially destructive, faith.
Forrestville
Zentner frequently describes the rural landscape of Forrestville, Tennessee. This setting's imagery underlines the characters' isolation and the limited opportunities available, contributing to the feeling of being trapped and yearning for something more.
Lydia's closet
Zentner uses rich and colorful imagery to describe Lydia's closet, filled with her eccentric and vintage clothes. This image symbolizes Lydia's unique personality, creativity, and dreams of a larger, more diverse world.
Travis' staff
The detailed imagery of Travis's staff underscores the importance of fantasy literature in his life. The staff's description emphasizes Travis's need for escapism and his yearning for a heroic, adventurous life, just like his favorite characters.
The snakebite
Zentner describes when Dill's father gets bitten by a snake. This imagery symbolizes the dangerous consequences of blind faith and marks a pivotal moment in Dill's life, where he must grapple with his father's legacy and faith.
