In the same way, fire and water are the leading causes of death in the novel, and though normally thought of as complete opposites, they come to have significance as one and the same thing. When winter falls on Medallion early and everything freezes, elderly women scatter stove ashes on top of the ice, bringing fire and water together in imagery. ... When Hannah's dress catches on fire and she begins to burn, the neighbors throw water on her, stopping the fire but in actuality continuing it in a way. The steam from the water sears Hannah's skin, inflicting pain and bodily damage just...

• Word Count: 1501
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate