Education
Academia and education are key aspects of the novel's imagery. Bethia's father is depicted as a successful teacher, who is passionate about helping the boys achieve their intellectual goals. The boys all graduate from college, which represents the preacher's success as a teacher. Education is depicted as something that brings greater opportunities, and it is, therefore, significant that Caleb is the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College.
Bethia
Bethia is a force of nature in this text. Caleb calls her "storm eyes," which represents her passionate and zealous personality. She is a rebellious character, which is captured well in the image of her being like a storm.
Friendship
Bethia's friendship with Caleb is a key aspect of the novel's imagery. Their friendship is depicted as being intimate and wholesome, and both characters learn something from each other. Initially, the two characters appear incredibly different and have very different backgrounds. They communicate using facial expressions, but they still have a good understanding of each other. This shows the fact they have a natural connection with each other, despite their initial differences.
Romance
Bethia is misunderstood by her father and neighbors at the beginning of the text. She is forced to conform to traditional gender roles, despite the fact she has a love for intellectual pursuits. In Cambridge, she meets Samuel Corlett, who appreciates her intellectual enthusiasm. As such, she meets someone who helps her to grow and become the person she wants to be.
