The symbolism of money
Money is one of the important symbols in the novel. For Nello and the rest of the people in the village, money is symbolic of tremendous power. The power to live in reasonable conditions. The power to influence others. And perhaps most importantly, the power to live freely and without much thought or effort.
The symbolism of the Ardennes
The Ardennes is symbolic of the first of many hardships that Nello must face in his life. It is also perhaps the most important and influential event in Nello's life, altering it forever.
The symbolism of the cathedral
The cathedral is not only an important symbol of religion, it is also symbolic of life and salvation. For instance, when he is cold, the church is a place where Nello can find warmth and comfort. It is, in other words, his safe place.
Motif: Nello's hardships
A common motif in the novel is the hardships that Nello must face. First, he must contend with the death of his mother and his becoming an orphan. Then, he must deal with the hardship of nursing Patrasche back to health. He must also deal with the death of his grandfather and his becoming homeless after he is kicked out of his home.
The symbolism of milk
For Nello and his grandfather, milk is symbolic of the way they earn a living and the way they survive despite tough circumstances. Nello's milk business is not something that he wanted to engage in; instead, it is something that he had to engage in order to survive.
