Describe symbolism in Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey

Grey uses the beauty and awesome power of nature as his primary form of symbolism. Natural symbolism abounds, particularly in Surprise Valley, where Venters and Bess lead an idyllic existence, waking each morning to the call of mockingbirds and feeding off the bountiful abundance afforded by wild game. Surprise Valley is like the Garden of Eden for Venters and Bess. Bess' innocence keeps her unaware of their impending romantic relationship and its implied sexual connotations, but Venters lacks this innocence and calls her attention to the fact that they are man and woman, alone together. Thus, it is Adam, not Eve, who plucks fruit from the tree of knowledge. Venters' awareness of impending danger is underscored by the symbols he finds in the cliffdwellers' ancient homes. The cliff dwellers chose to live in Surprise Valley for the same reason Venters has chosen it; Balancing Rock guards the only entrance to the valley and it affords safety from attackers. Yet the blood red handprints Venters finds in the ruins of the cliff-dwellers' homes implies that death and danger found its way into the valley once before, and foreshadows the danger with which Venters and Bess must soon contend.