Throughout her story, Marci wishes to become a boy. This prayer is never answered, and Marci must look outside of masculinity to find her freedom. However, two of the objects that impact her journey act as phallic symbols—substitutes for the male genitals she prays for.

The switchblade knives from Flor and Eddie’s rifle are visually comparable to penises. The former acts as a call to action and a reminder that the girls are capable of strength. The rifle is the object that directly frees them. Marci does not need literal masculinity to find safety or independence. Likewise, she does not need her body to change physically to feel loved.

Marci’s disinterest in having testicles underlines this imagery. In her perception, a penis is all she needs to define her identity. Flor, as a bringer of feminine strength, gifts her the knife as an alternative. When Corin shoots Eddie with his own rifle, she is stealing that symbol and his strength from him. Anatomical masculinity proves unnecessary.

Food is representative of tradition throughout the novel. In the earliest parts of the story, Delia is often cooking for Eddie. Her subservience illustrates the traditional roles of men and women in families at the time.