47 pages • 1 hour read
Ann M. MartinA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
In the book, sheds symbolize safety, comfort, and pleasant family memories. Since the shed on the Merrions’ land is Squirrel’s first home, she associates every shed with the warmth, love, and protection of her early puppy days: “In our shed I had felt safe, protected from the likes of Mine or coyotes” (61). As a puppy, she had a content, sheltered life with Mother, Bone, and companions like Matthias. Therefore, sheds remain a symbol of safety, warmth, and refuge. Squirrel routinely seeks this feeling of security in the form of sheds. For example, she tries to get inside many sheds (or barns) during her lifetime: “I wanted to be warm and dry. Through the blowing fog I thought I could see a shed. […] I trotted toward it, Moon at my heels” (71). Squirrel perceives this type of shelter as inherently good because she has only pleasant associations with it.
The text uses the word “shed” 155 times, highlighting its symbolic importance. Sheds continuously represent protection, shelter, comfort, and well-being. Of the numerous sheds that Squirrel stays in, none are the site of anything negative. She experiences only a reliable source of safety.
By Ann M. Martin
Aging
View Collection
Animals in Literature
View Collection
Books on Justice & Injustice
View Collection
Childhood & Youth
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fate
View Collection
Friendship
View Collection
Grief
View Collection
Juvenile Literature
View Collection
Loyalty & Betrayal
View Collection
Memory
View Collection
Mortality & Death
View Collection
Safety & Danger
View Collection
Trust & Doubt
View Collection
Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love
View Collection