Flames are the most prominent symbol throughout the text and represent different things depending on the context. In some scenes, fire symbolizes Aiden’s desire for Elias and his growing realization that he is gay. During the opening daydream, the flames burn warmly between them; Aiden and Elias are tinted by the fire’s warm glow as their hands come together, reflecting how, at this point, the feelings are new and pleasant, but not overwhelming. When Aiden kisses Elias, after their dreamlike night of bonding under the stars and listening to music, the flame burns hot inside of Aiden, and both he and Elias are blanketed in red. Aiden is overwhelmed and overcome by his feelings and does something he would normally be too terrified to attempt. At this point, the fire burns hotter and stronger; this increased intensity reflects how much Aiden’s feelings and awareness have grown over the course of the novel.

In other scenes, fire symbolizes the persecution Aiden faces for being gay. After being subjected to a particularly brutal and hateful experience with a bully at camp, Aiden reflects on the entomology of the word “faggot” (127). He explains that it refers to a bundle of sticks and it’s use as a slur comes from the fact that “in medieval times, homosexuals were burned at the stake.