In many works of literature, authors include both the physical and emotional journeys of their characters, as well as how they reflect on each other. Literal and mental movements play a central role in Into the Lake of the Woods. The characters John and Kathy experience various changes throughout the novel, mostly as a couple. Tim O'Brien's use of characterization and the character's actions portray the couple's move to the cabin as the ultimate symbol for escaping the struggles of their relationship. Many events in the cabin showed the multiple conflicts and secrets held in John and Kathy's relationship. Early in the novel, the reader is informed that John is hiding from Kathy and that he participated in a massacre in Vietnam. They also learn that John spied on Kathy before the two started dating. Kathy, aware of the damage, the secrets and the spying, never took any action to try to make things better. After John's crushing defeat in his campaign, the two men disappeared into a cabin to avoid embarrassment and harassment in their town. This physical escape portrays John and Kathy as believers....