The Storm Runner

The volcano in Zane’s backyard plays an important role in Zane’s character development, symbolizing The Journey of Self-Discovery. At the beginning of the book, the volcano represents a safe place for Zane: a refuge to which he can retreat and be himself without fear of judgment. Shortly after he meets Brooks, however, the volcano becomes a symbol of all the new changes in Zane’s life as he learns its significance to the Mayan world. At the end of the book, Zane learns that his father put the volcano there to conceal Ah-Puch’s prison; this arrangement lets him keep an eye on both Ah-Puch and Zane. In turn, Zane realizes that his connection to the volcano has always been deeper than his superficial enjoyment of the place. As Zane’s Mayan blood draws him to this place, the volcano takes on a new meaning, for it brings together the different parts of Zane’s identity.

The volcano also symbolizes the history and the fall of much of the Mayan civilization. The Mayans have historically lived throughout Central America and also in parts of Mexico, often settling close to major volcanos. Three of the greatest eruptions in this area came during the time of the Mayan empire, and each one devastated the region and causing great upheaval.