The silos
The silos themselves are a powerful symbol in the novel. They represent both the safe haven that has allowed humanity to survive a devastated world and the prison that confines and isolates people, separating them from truth and freedom. They symbolize the strict control of society and reflect the isolation and segregation that can occur when powerful entities exert control over knowledge and resources.
Cleaning
Cleaning the sensors that allow the inhabitants of the silos to see the outside world is a form of capital punishment within their society. This act is an allegory for how those in power manipulate and control the narrative to maintain order. The false hope that the outside world could be habitable if only the view were clean is a tool for manipulation and control.
The staircase
The massive spiral staircase that runs through the middle of the silo symbolizes the social hierarchy within the silo. Those at the top, physically and metaphorically, are the decision-makers and controllers, while those at the bottom live in more challenging, labor-intensive conditions. It represents the physical manifestation of power dynamics and class distinction.
The outside world
The ruined world outside the silos symbolizes the destructive potential of humanity's actions. It is a constant reminder of past mistakes and the price paid, adding a sense of cautionary and tragic history to the narrative.
