The Malodorous Man
David’s stepfather is a malodorous man who can be recognized from a distance. Frick is David's stepfather, but he is always unavailable. David says: “He smelled sour like old grape juice filled with snuffed-out cigarette butts.” Consequently, the author uses this smell imagery to signify the unavailability of Frick to undertake his fatherly roles. Frick is a part-time stepfather. David says that his stepfather smells like sour grape juice, implying that they do not get along well.
Dimness
One of the attributes the narrator uses to depict his sister is darkness. The narrator says, “Paige was like that: time and time again she slowly sank into some darkness and then when it got no brighter she’d pack up and leave as if to chase the sun so it could never set.” The imagery embodies Paige's determination to make it in life. The reader sees Paige struggling and doing her level best to get some light at the end of the tunnel. The challenges she goes through are symbolized by darkness, but there is hope that all will be well.
Life in Penobscot Reservation
The author paints a clear picture of what life looks like in Penobscot Reservation. For instance, he describes the life of David and his family, which paints a picture of poverty. With the help of her boyfriend, Frick, who is always absent, his single mother raises David. Most people living on the reservation are hopeless because they do not know how to escape poverty. Consequently, David's involvement in drinking and smoking is a vital sign that the youths are hopeless.
