Sophie's Name Symbol
Sophie's last name is "Hatter" which symbolizes both her role in life as a milliner but also the fact that Howl believes her to be quite mad, calling her Mad Hatter. The practice of using a last name to denote a profession dates back to before Medieval times and much of the history of that time seems to be present in the mystical world of Market Chipping
Paganism Motif
In Market Chipping the residents celebrate many of the Pagan festivals celebrated in England during the Middle Ages, including Midsummer Day which they celebrate with garlands made of plants and flowers that have their own meaning and rituals. The belief in magic and the positive inclusion in each community of many different practitioners and the habit of purchasing spells also adds to the motif of Paganism that is present throughout the novel.
Fire Motif
Fire is also a constant Motif in this novel and is not only shown in the form of characters, such as both fire demons, but also as the form taken by both Howl and the Witch when they are engaged in battle. It is also used as a weapon.
Enchantment Motif
Throughout the book the motif of enchantment is used to show that Sophie has the power of the mystics and a gift for magic without ever realizing it, unknowingly giving powers to each of the hats she is talking to out of boredom and also enabling the scarecrow to travel more quickly by telling him to go away and hurry by.
Calcifer Name Symbol
Calcifer's name actually symbolizes his identity as it is a combination of calcification and Lucifer, one. Wing the process of reducing things by fire and the other being the recognizable term for the devil or something coming out of Hell.
