What motif becomes an important part of Chapter 20 through 23?

The motif of environmentalism runs through this section as it shows the ramifications of harming the environment. One panther, the cub, has already died and the lives of two others are at risk. The section also shows that people are willing to take methods that are just as extreme to save the environment as people are willing to do to make money. Smoke sets a fire because man had caused the death of a family of raccoons. Mrs. Starch stays in the swamp to care for the panther cub. Twilly makes sure the oil company’s actions do not go unnoticed.