54 pages • 1-hour read
Rival Darling
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Symbols & Motifs
Hockey
Hockey functions as the novel’s central motif, representing the arena of social conflict, prescribed identity, and prejudice that the characters must navigate. It is more than a sport; it is a cultural force that shapes public perception and perpetuates the divisions between Sunshine Hills and Ransom. While hockey is central to the story because it is the primary sport of both schools, it is also a sport that is fitting for the tension and anger between them. The sport is inherently violent, allowing for players to physically fight and encouraging them to use their bodies and physical prowess to control the game in ways that other sports to not. As a result, it reflects the violence of the two schools, allowing them to physically confront each other while the tensions of social class, wealth, and territory simmer off the ice.
For Reed, the ice is where he cultivates his protective “Darling Devil” persona, a role he consciously performs to gain a competitive edge and shield his private self. He acknowledges that if his “lethal reputation gave us even the slightest edge, we were all more than happy to play up to it” (34). This strategic use of an aggressive persona illustrates the theme of The Tension Between Public Identity and Private Reality, showing how performance becomes a tool for survival in a high-stakes environment. For Violet, hockey is the source of her “no-jock rule,” a deeply ingrained preconception born from her father’s abandonment. Her journey requires her to dismantle this bias, first by mistakenly falling for Jeremy, a superficial archetype of a jock, and then by discovering Reed’s hidden depths. Ultimately, the climactic hockey game becomes the stage for the novel’s resolution, where Reed sacrifices his public persona for private authenticity, proving that true character is revealed by having the courage to break from prescribed roles.
Reed’s Scar
Reed’s scar symbolizes the chasm between his public persona and his private self, as well as the power of rumor in shaping identity. Initially, the scar is defined by gossip, functioning as a key piece of evidence for Reed’s intimidating reputation. Mia introduces it to Violet through the lens of rumor, explaining, “he has this scar on his neck that he got from a bar brawl, which only adds to his rugged, rebellious appeal” (11). This false origin story reinforces the “Darling Devil” myth, portraying Reed as a hardened brawler and feeding into the preconceptions that Violet must overcome. The scar’s true origin—an accidental injury from his sister Cammie during a figure skating practice—completely subverts this narrative. This revelation dismantles his tough-guy facade, exposing a hidden history of loyalty, vulnerability, and dedication to his family. The contrast between the two stories highlights the novel’s exploration of how public personas are constructed from incomplete or false information. By revealing the truth of the scar to Violet, Reed offers a piece of his authentic self, an act of trust that demonstrates that genuine connection is only possible when the rumored self gives way to the real one.
Cars
Cars in Sunshine Hills and Ransom are a status symbol on the surface, while reflecting the true nature of the characters underneath. Violet’s aging, unreliable car, Betty, is a symbol of her own internal state at the beginning of the novel: feeling broken down, displaced, and stranded. After her forced move to Minnesota, Violet notes that Betty “hadn’t adjusted well,” just as she herself is “struggling with the cold” and feels neither of them belong there (1). The car’s frequent breakdowns mirror Violet’s emotional turmoil and sense of helplessness. Reed’s decision to secretly repair Betty marks a crucial turning point in the narrative and is central to the theme of Betrayal and the Difficult Path to Rebuilding Trust. While Jeremy offers superficial charm, Reed provides tangible, selfless help without seeking credit. His actions speak louder than words, offering the first concrete evidence that he is reliable and kind, directly challenging Violet’s “no-jock” preconception. When Violet feels completely isolated, begging her car, “Just please start” (17), her desperation is not just about transportation but about her inability to move forward in her new life. By fixing the car, Reed doesn’t just solve a mechanical problem; he performs an act of care that begins to repair Violet’s shattered trust, showing her that genuine support is demonstrated through consistent, dependable actions rather than empty promises or public reputation.
In stark contrast, Reed’s meticulously maintained vintage truck symbolizes his reliability. When Violet first sees it, she notes that it “had a vintage look about it” but “the paintwork shone like it was brand-new[;…] [t]here wasn’t a single scratch on the paintwork, there was no ice crusting over the wipers despite the terrible weather, and the hubcaps were sparkling” (66). In this way, Reed’s car stands in contrast to Jeremy’s, a flashy, expensive mustang. This fact underscores their differences: While Jeremy has the money to create a nice facade, Reed has the knowledge to maintain a vehicle that is reliable and pristine. His ability to help diagnose Betty’s mechanical issues parallels his potential to help Violet heal from the emotional damage of Jeremy’s betrayal. Violet’s lashing out at both her own car and Jeremy’s illustrates how these vehicles become stand-ins for the people and circumstances that have failed her. By extension, the garage itself becomes a space of potential restoration, where what is broken can be assessed and, with care, made whole again.
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