The three linden trees
The three linden trees from the same named fairy tale symbolize unconditional brotherly love. Each of the three brothers from the story was ready to sacrifice everything to save the other. Not knowing what to do, the judge decided to test their innocence with the linden trees and the trees are standing tall and strong ever since.
Mr. Binsswanger's music
Mr. Binsswanger fairy music represents comfort to the soul in difficult times. The soft music helped Elizabeth when she was left alone pregnant with Augustus. Mr. Binsswanger also used the music to help Elizabeth to wish something for her son to make his life better. Favorite moments from Augustus's childhood are when he was in his godfather's house listening to it.
The boat sailing
From the "Flute Dream" tale the boat that the young boy gets on and sails with the old man could be seen as a representation of life. It's not rare that boats or ships are symbols of life. Towards the end when the boy realizes that he is the old man and that he can only move forward towards the darkness is the most clear indication that this is the case.
The sunlight
In the story "The Forest Dweller" the people who dwell in forests are afraid to go out into the Sun and the light. They see the light as something dangerous. But, at the end one of the forest dwellers gets brave and goes out into the sunlight and sees that it is not dangerous. The sunlight in this story represents physical and metaphorical enlightenment.
