The Crucifix (symbol)
Shaun’s crucifix is a recurring symbol representing spirituality and the ongoing conflict between science and religion. In the space station, surrounded by the vastness of the universe, Shaun’s crucifix contrasts the scientific environment with his personal beliefs. This symbol touches on the theme of how faith and scientific exploration intersect. Nell contemplates Shaun’s faith, especially as an astronaut. She ponders how someone can reconcile a belief in a divine Creator while governed by physics and science. The crucifix represents both Shaun’s steadfast belief and the larger existential questions about the universe and humanity’s place within it.
The Dog in Las Meninas (symbol)
When Shaun reflects on the famous painting, he begins to view the dog as the central figure. The dog symbolizes simplicity and freedom, juxtaposed with the humans who are entangled in their complex social structures and vanities. This shift in Shaun’s perception reflects humanity’s position in the universe, particularly as astronauts in space. The dog represents an unpretentious existence free from the artificial constructs that confine the human figures in the painting. This parallels the astronauts' journey where they feel more like insignificant leaves blown by the wind.
Space as Wilderness (symbol)
Throughout the novel, space is portrayed as the final frontier. For Shaun, Pietro, and the other astronauts, space becomes a representation of human endeavor. Yet, space also symbolizes the wilderness as it is a place devoid of human control. It forces the astronauts to confront the fragility of their existence as they orbit far above the Earth, detached from the familiar world. The indifferent vastness of space is a constant reminder of the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of the universe.
Voyager Probes and the Golden Disc (symbol)
The probes symbolize humanity's hope for connection with extraterrestrial life and the legacy that humans wish to leave behind. Moreover, the Golden Disc, containing sounds like Beethoven’s symphonies and Chuck Berry’s music, represents a message in a bottle. It symbolizes a deep-seated desire for companionship and a hope that humans are not alone in the universe. These probes also reflect the existential question of whether humanity's achievements are fleeting or eternal.
Weightlessness (motif)
It indicates the physical reality of being in space and the existential disorientation experienced by the characters. The astronauts live in an environment where traditional concepts of gravity are irrelevant. This constant state of floating symbolizes their detachment from Earth and their normal lives. As the characters drift in space, they experience a parallel emotional disconnection. Events such as the death of Chie’s mother are compounded by the fact that grief in space feels untethered. The motif of weightlessness extends to the astronauts' contemplation of their purpose and the meaning of human life.
