Early in Gemmy's life, when he is still "willet's boy", Gemmy had no real understanding of destruction or even regret. He is constantly susceptible both physical and sexual abuse, and although he begrudges Willet for exposing him to these things, he still feels affection for the man. However, "one night, after a beating no worse than others he has received, he waits till Willet is snoring, gets up, sweeps a heap of rubbish into the middle of the room, finds tinder, and lights it.
" It is unclear what Gemmy's intention was in doing this, however, it is suggested by the line "some darker nature has begun to emerge in him he has resentments " that he was vaguely aware that there would be consequences to his actions. While this does not immediately suggest renewal, it does imply Gemmy's desire for change, and, as a recognized representation of destruction, Gemmy turns to fire. As the flames grow larger, it becomes clear that Gemmy did not intend to harm Willet, or that he even realized it was a possibility; and idea which is further emphasized when he tries to shake Willet awake. The true extent of Gemmy's actions is revealed in the line, "he had not meant to set himself loose on the world, " which explicitly portrays his rebirth and restart in life. It is at this point the Malouf positions the reader to recognize fire and destruction as a source of renewal, causing them to reflect on previous sections of the book. It becomes clear that Gemmy's lack of understanding or even lack of intention is what has caused this incident to be considered as destructive rather than constructive, because he has in fact been reborn. Gemmy has been cleansed of Willet and has removed himself from Willet's abusive constraints. This, more literal, use of fire is used to set establish, identify, and represent fire as renewal. .
Janet's character is used to symbolize epiphany as rebirth, and to elaborate on the importance of knowledge and faith in relation to renewal.
