What does the St. Mary's River represent for each of the children?

Each child has a very real emotional response to the St. Mary's River. Amari sees freedom on the other side. Tidbit is immediately reminded that alligators could very well attack and eat them. Polly sees a problem that will need a boat or some sort of help to surmount. Brownie, though, is up to the task and welcomes the excitement that the river provides. Finally, once they are across, each character has learned an important lesson about perseverance, teamwork, and hope.