The Release of the Iguana
The iguana exists as a metaphor for the concept of being tied down and struggling for freedom which can be applied to various characters and humanity in general. The release of the iguana from its bondage of being tied up beneath the veranda, however, is specifically symbolic to Shannon. It is he alone who releases the iguana and frees it, thus it becomes a symbol for the release of his own shackles of bondage and acceptance of freedom by, paradoxically, remaining at the hotel rather than leaving it as the iguana does.
The Approaching Storm
The constant references to a storm approaching lends it a symbolic meaning also associated specifically with Shannon. After remaining in stasis for so long, Shannon is nearing the point of making life-changing decisions. Thus the storm represents the turmoil of a life-altering storm brewing within him and ready to finally strike with full force.
Rum-Coco
The persistent offer of a rum-coco by Maxine can be interpreted as a symbolic attempt to assert control and reduce the element of surprise. The drink becomes a symbol for passivity through the implication that it is addictive. The inference is that no one can stop at just one rum-coco and that the effects of additional alcohol is to induce a type of emotional apathy by rounding off the sharper edges of one’s emotional temper.
Shannon's Spook
The “spook” which is Shannon’s traveling companion and which is analogous to Hannah’s “blue devil” is simply a symbolic incarnation of the little voice inside everyone urging them to do the right thing. Or, in Hannah’s case, inducing her to finally do the right thing by outlasting the incessant urge to do the wrong thing. Whether conscience or angel shoulder or angel devil, it all the part of the same concept.
Clerical Garb
When Shannon tries to get into his clerical garb to prove he isn’t a defrocked priest, he has trouble putting the collar on, the button on the collar pops off and he finally rips it free and throws it over the verandah. This ill-fated attempt to make a connection with his past is fraught with symbolism: he is no longer even capable of playing the part of the priest. Even the attempt to put on the outward appearance of the man he once was evades him now.
