What symbols, other than the pants, are used in the book?

• The group uses the pants as a symbol of hope and achievement, and as a bond to hold them together spiritually when they are apart.

• Tibby's bedroom has not been cleaned for years, nor has the window been opened. She notices this on the day after her first kiss with Brian. Opening the window to let in the fresh outside air, which symbolizes her first acceptance of change, also allows her sister Katherine to fall out.

• Outside Tibby's bedroom window stands an apple tree. It bears fruit and symbolizes patience and wisdom.

• Tibby takes a summer job at a movie theater to try to understand more about how movies are created. Since film is her field of study, she feels it is appropriate. However, she must watch the movies over and over, and soon their magic is lost on her. She begins to feel that the theater is a symbol of commercialism and untruths.