The Drowning Woman

Throughout the novel, cars symbolize class differences and economic circumstances. Lee’s poverty is evident immediately because she lives in her Toyota Corolla. The car is her only means of shelter and safety. The novel’s first important plot event, an assailant breaking Lee’s window, is catastrophic for her since it removes her protection and security, and she has no money to fix it. In addition, the broken window is the catalyst for the novel’s subsequent events because it prompts Lee to drive to the affluent Seattle neighborhood where she saves Hazel from drowning. As her home, the car is important in every aspect of Lee’s life. For example, she and Jesse have sex against it behind the diner. While this demonstrates Jesse’s growing sexual aggression, it simultaneously highlights that Lee doesn’t have a home or apartment to bring a date back to.

Hazel drives a Mercedes, exemplifying her wealth and privilege. It’s one of the factors that demonstrates the contrast between her circumstances and Lee’s. Whereas Lee sleeps in her car and the vehicle is present in every aspect of her life, Hazel’s car is only for functional transportation purposes.

Jesse drives an Audi but lives in a run-down basement apartment, which indicates his complex economic circumstances: his recent release from prison and recently receiving $25,000 from Benjamin to murder Hazel. His car suggests that he cares about social appearances and aspires to own expensive things, but his current circumstances don’t entirely align with its luxury.