Subsequently, during a heated argument between Macon and Sarah, Sarah addresses one of the main symbols in the novel, a traveling armchair with wings. Sarah accuses Macon of being "encased. You're like something in a capsule the traveling armchair isn't just your logo; it's you" (pg. 142). This suggests, that not only can Sarah see through him and refuses to be with him in his 'ossified' state, but also that Macon's entire life revolves around building barriers and resisting change towards experiencing life. He is exactly like the accidental tourists whom he writes for, people that are forced into travel, who attempt to travel under the illusion of never leaving home in the first place. .
Gradually, Tyler's use of motifs and symbols showcase the transition in which Macon opens his views on travel and life. As previously introduced, Macon's house is an important symbol that's deterioration links to Macon's deteriorating lifestyle. Macon's house experiences a flood due to burst pipes; upon seeing the catastrophe, Macon says that, "everything here was so dreary- the naked mattress with its body bag" and that "yes, at one time he'd have been very upset about that" (pg. 247, 245). Analyzing Macon's use of past tense speech regarding his systems suggest that a change is taking place. Regularly, Macon is a character whose systems are a part of who he is and any deviation is unacceptable. The body bag, which 'required no tucking in', is important because not only does it reflect Macon's dreary, order-filled personality, but it is also a sign of death. In realizing the dreariness of the body bag, his house and systems, Macon forsakes it and displays the first signs of someone becoming ready to leave their binding systems behind. Secondly, Tyler uses Edward to symbolize Ethan; however, Edward's actions are vital as they also reflect Macon's subconsciousness.
