The dilapidated house
The dilapidated house where Curtis lives with his owner symbolizes torture. Curtis lives with his owner in the dilapidated house where he is defiled. The man living with Curtis is a child pornographic producer who uses the house to shoot adult content videos. In most of his videos, he defiles Curtis and films everything that takes place. Consequently, the dilapidated house shows Curtis' suffering, mistreatment, and hopelessness.
The snow
The snow symbolizes Boobie's emptiness and death. Throughout the text, readers find Boobie inexplicable because of his acts. For instance, Boobie kills his parents and kidnaps his younger brother for sale. Boobie says he has nothing to live for because his life is worthless. In addition, Boobie's real name is unknown, even if he sometimes introduces himself as Darrin Flowers. Boobie's end is mysterious because he vanishes into the snow when his girlfriend dies. Therefore, snow represents Boobie's emptiness and death.
The symbolism of hope
In 33 Snowfish by Adam Rapp, hope is symbolized by Seldom. Seldom rescues Curtis and Boobie's younger brother and takes them into his home. Seldom knows that Curtis is a criminal, and he tries to show him that there is a better life outside of crime. Seldom treats Curtis with love, giving him hope that he can quit crime and start doing productive activities to improve his life.
