Biolene (Symbol)
Biolene—Jonathan Fitzman's microorganism-based gasoline alternative—is a symbol for hubris (i.e. excessive pride or self-confidence). While Fitzman invents the substance with the intention of creating a planet-friendly source of fuel, his excitement over the discovery prevents him from being more careful with the hitherto-unknown "ergonyms." Although he believes the self-replicating organisms that comprise Biolene are safe because they disintegrate when exposed to oxygen, he doesn't account for the possibility of a genetic mutation. It is this mutant version of the fuel that Tamaya encounters in the forest. Having become resistant to oxygen, the brand-new substance dissolves people's skin, threatening to infect humanity with a brand-new disease.
Tamaya's Sweater (Symbol)
Tamaya's Woodridge Academy sweater is a symbol of her pride. While the maroon sweater, emblazoned with the private school's name and the motto Virtue and Valor, is part of the standardized uniform for all students, to Tamaya it inspires feelings of belonging. "It made her feel important," Sachar writes, "like she was a part of history." When following Marshall through the forest, Tamaya is devastated to discover a tear in the shoulder of her sweater. Not only will her mother have to pay for a replacement, the hole is like a physical wound against Tamaya's pride. Sachar also emphasizes the importance of the sweater at the end of the story: When Fitzman asks Tamaya what he can buy her, the only thing she thinks of is a new school sweater. Upon receiving it, her pride is restored.
Tree Climbing (Symbol)
The tree climbing Chad enjoys is a symbol for serenity. After Tamaya finds the now-blind Chad in the forest, Chad admits that he was able to spot her and Marshall because he climbed one of his trees. He goes on to explain that he ventures into the forest alone and nails boards into the trunks, creating ladders that allow him to go higher and higher. Above the canopy, Chad can sit alone and see for miles, finding a calm place that is separate from the dysfunction at home and the need to perform his bad-boy persona at school. Chad assumes Tamaya and Marshall will judge him for revealing his secret hobby, but they both think it is impressive and admirable. At the end of the novel, Tamaya and Marshall join Chad at the top of a tree and take in the serene view.
Chad's Bullying (Symbol)
The bullying Chad targets Marshall with is a symbol of his hidden insecurity. While Chad maintains a bad-boy persona at school, impressing fellow students with hyperbolic tales of his past, in reality he hides emotional wounds inflicted by his parents. After Tamaya rescues Chad from the forest, Chad admits that he doesn't know why he is so mean. But from his angry, self-pitying mutterings, it is clear Chad is upset that his parents don't care about him. When Marshall joins the rescue, Chad finally admits why he is hostile toward him: while Marshall's mother made him a lasagne for his birthday, Chad's birthday—which happens to be on the same day—went uncelebrated by his resentful parents. Having confessed that he lives with insecurities he hasn't addressed before, Chad sees past his resentment and forges friendly relationships with Tamaya and Marshall.
Senate Hearings (Motif)
Throughout the novel, Sachar cuts away from the main narrative to supply excerpts of U.S. Senate testimony transcripts. As the story progresses, the hearing transcripts hint at the connection between Biolene and the mysterious substance Tamaya discovers in the woods. With this motif, Sachar signals to the reader that Tamaya, Marshall, and Chad are involved in what will prove to be a significant historical event. Sachar emphasizes the importance of the motif at the end of the novel when Tamaya herself presents testimony before the U.S. Congress. Considered a hero for discovering the Biolene early enough that its spread could be contained, Tamaya learns from the senators that she has saved countless lives.
