Final answer:
The Salinas River in the novel symbolizes nature, freedom, and escape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Salinas River in the novel most likely symbolizes the themes of nature, freedom, and escape. In the novel, the river is depicted as a place where characters find solace and experience moments of tranquility, away from the constraints of society. It represents a desire to connect with the natural world and break free from the mundane routines of life.