Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Tree? It's too easy. […] I reach in for another piece of paper. […] "Ah-ah-ah," [Mr. Freeman] says. "You just chose your destiny, you can't change that (4.12).
Seeds and trees create another extended metaphor. Melinda learns about them in biology and learns to draw them in art class. By getting intimate with seeds and trees in art and science, Melinda comes to see herself as a precious part of nature, capable of much positive growth.