Symbol for power
Despite thinking that metal is poisonous, the Hill People still actively searched for it and tried to gather as much as possible. Even though it is not said why they wanted it, it is hinted that the people used to build weapons and other tools out of the metal. In this sense, the metal became a symbol for power and thus it became necessary for the people to have it even if it meant risking one’s life in order to get it.
Can't touch this
A motif found in the story is the idea that the priests were a special group of people. The priests were either born in families where the patriarch was a priest or they became priests when they touched a piece of metal and didn’t die. The idea that only the priests can touch metal is a common motif in the story and it remains one until the end of the story.
Symbol for a new begining
John chooses a certain time of day to begin his journey and he decides to start at dawn. The reason why John chooses this particular time of day it is because the dawn is also used to symbolize a beginning, the start of a new period, different from what it was before and implicitly, better.
Dangerous dream
Another motif found in the story is the idea that John’s dream is a dangerous one. John’s father in particular is inclined to believe that his dream will not benefit him and even tries to stop John from following it, claiming that if he does, he will surely perish.
Symbol for conquering nature
John quickly sets himself apart and proves that he is not as weak as those around him would believe him. Instead, he is more courageous and skilled when it comes to hunting and exploring as anyone else. John proves himself a skilled hunter when he kills the panther using only one arrow. The killing of the panther is seen here as a metaphor for conquering nature and for bravery.
