Because of the Rabbit

The rocks that Emma and Owen collect symbolize their solid relationship. Emma and Owen choose rocks from places they explore; the inspirational words they write on the rocks often refer to challenges they overcome together. For example, Owen wrote “Keep Going” on a rock from Mt. Katahdin; his encouragement had helped Emma reach the summit, even though she felt like giving up. Owen is Emma’s metaphorical rock, and she in turn becomes a rock for Jack: She publicly announces her appreciation for him and gifts him a rock inscribed with the words “Rabbit Magic.” The solidity of rocks and their stability even in the face of change reflects the strength and stability of Emma’s relationship with Owen, and the strength that comes with being oneself.

Emma and Owen built a Lego boat together when they were much younger. Owen still proudly displays this boat in his room, despite being a busy, popular highschooler. The boat symbolizes Owen’s continuing love and support for Emma. Its prominent display shows that Owen is not “subtracting” his past; he is building on it. Emma wonders whether Owen is worried about being teased about the Lego boat, and he responds—“a real friend would see that it mattered to me” (159).