Midnight at the Electric

Lily’s SUV symbolizes the theme of Environmental Destruction for the Sake of Progress, emphasizing the consequences of human actions on the planet. Described as “one of the last great gas guzzlers” (6), the “ancient” SUV represents the remnants of an era where fossil fuel consumption was rampant, implicitly addressing the environmental degradation caused by such practices. This symbol ties directly to the broader theme of environmental destruction, as the characters’ lives are intertwined with the impacts of past and present ecological decisions.

The SUV’s presence in the narrative serves as a reminder of the ongoing climate change dilemma in the real world, which is primarily driven by the extensive use of fossil fuels. It stands to highlight the paradox of progress; while industrialization has propelled humanity forward, it has also inflicted significant harm on the planet.

Galapagos serves as a complex symbol contributing to the core themes in the novel.

The tortoise is a symbol of Resilience in the Face of Adversity. During a period of repeated dust storms, Catherine describes how Galapagos fares relatively well: “Mama keeps saying we ought to move the tortoise inside, but—tucked inside her dust-crusted shell—she weathers the storms better than anyone” (62). This portrayal of Galapagos enduring the dust storms mirrors the characters’ struggles and determination to survive.

The Galápagos tortoise has long been known to be significantly impacted by human activities. Currently, all 12 species are listed as vulnerable or endangered. Anderson’s choice of a tortoise echoes the broader narrative of environmental degradation and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Adri’s mission to reintroduce Galapagos into the wild illustrates the detrimental effects of human actions on nature and the imperative of addressing and mitigating those impacts.

Additionally, Galapagos embodies The Interconnectedness of Human Experience Across Time. With her naturally extended lifespan, the tortoise links different eras, symbolizing continuity and the enduring connections between past, present, and future. She is the only living creature to have touched every character in the novel. Adri’s engagement with Galapagos ties her to the people who came before her, while her decision to release the tortoise resolves Galapagos’s own story—she can end her life in the environment in which she belongs, concluding another quest for belonging.