The life and history of Florence Nightingale are only briefly touched on in the narrative, but the cover of the book A Bright and Shining Path: The Life of Florence Nightingale plays an important role. The cover shows:

[…] soldiers stretched out on their backs on what looked like a battlefield and the lady was walking in between the soldiers and carrying a lamp over her head, and the men were holding their hands out to her begging her for something (55).

The cover makes Louisiana think that “Florence Nightingale helps those who have fallen on the battlefield of life. She comes to them with her magic globe” (205). The lamp becomes a symbol of hope and determination. It appears in Raymie’s dream being passed on to her by Mrs. Borkowski. As she saves Louisiana, Raymie feels that she finally understands Florence Nightingale and the significance of the lantern and the shining path.

Mrs. Borkowski introduced Raymie to the concept of souls, believing that most people let their souls shrivel. Raymie’s soul represents her innermost emotions. Raymie feels her soul change shape and density depending on her changing emotions and those of people close to her, swelling in response to positive emotions.