Mahatma Gandhi (Symbol)
Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most powerful symbols of the novel. He is a man worthy of tremendous acclaim and respect. He is also one of the most important figures in the history of India and in the world. It was Gandhi, after all, who was largely responsible for Indian independence.
Gandhi, ultimately, is symbolic of the good qualities of humanity. He is willing to sacrifice everything, including his life, for the greater good and for his country's independence. Gandhi is also an intelligent, kind, and generous man capable and willing to do great things.
Britain (Symbol)
The main antagonist of the novel, Britain is symbolic of the opposite of Gandhi. It is symbolic of what is wrong and evil in the world. In the novel, Britain and her people are portrayed as oppressing and destructive. In fact, their mistreatment of the Indian people is what inspires Gandhi to start a movement to allow India to gain independence.
World War II (Symbol)
World War II is symbolic of the end of British hegemony. For the past several hundred years, Great Britain had essentially controlled the world. Because of the toll the Nazis and World War II takes on Britain, they are unable to have the same level of control that they once did. This allowed Gandhi’s movement to take a foothold and ultimately enables India and her people to be free at last.
Being imprisoned for standing up for what you believe in (Motif)
In the novel, a number of characters are put in prison for believing what they believe in. Most significantly, Anjali's mother is imprisoned because of her support of Gandhi's ahimsa movement. This is a lesson in perseverance; people who seek legitimate and positive change in their country are often imprisoned when seeking to inspire change.
The need to sacrifice to accomplish something (Allegory)
The novel is an allegory for the need to sacrifice to accomplish something. In the novel, for instance, Anjali and her family had to give up a number of their creature comforts in life (including foreign-made clothes). In order to succeed, Anjali and her family had to give up Anjali's mother's freedom to gain Indian independence.
