Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
There's No Place Like Hab
The Hab might not be much, but it's the closest that Mark has to a home on Mars.
For the most part, this is because the Hab makes Mark feel connected with humanity. The bleak Martian landscape constantly reminds him of how alone he is, with absolutely zilch as far as the eye can see. Although the Hab isn't going to be featured on Cribs anytime soon, it'll have to do given the circumstances.
As time goes on, this relationship becomes even more pronounced. Mark refers to the inflatable building as his "Little Hab on the Prairie" (3.27). Later he becomes panicked after getting "out of sight of the Hab" (7.100). The longer that Mark stays, the more the Hab feels like home:
I'm no stranger to Mars [...] But I've never been out of sight of the Hab before today. You wouldn't think that would make a difference, but it does. (7.100)
Without the Hab, Mark has no choice but to face the fact that he's completely isolated. Within the Hab, however, Mark is reminded that he came to Mars for a reason and that he has the skills he needs to survive.
With that taken care of, we'd like you to join us for a rousing rendition of, "Hab, Hab on the Range." No? Well, it was worth a shot.