Judy's compact (symbol)
In the first sequence we see Judy has left her compact behind on the chair in the police station. Jim Stark finds it and keeps it. It symbolizes the connection between the two characters who are trying to see themselves clearly in a world they don't feel as if they fit into. The compact reappears after Buzz's death when Jim gives it back to Judy, and it is an object that connects the characters as they begin to fall in love.
Abandoned House (symbol)
The abandoned house is where Jim, Judy and Plato go after the death of Buzz. It symbolizes a place of freedom and solace, and though it is empty and abandoned, it is filled with what they want to put in it. In comparison to the 'full' homes that they live in now with their parents, which feel empty and lack real connection, because this one is "abandoned" and outside of society, they can fill it with the affection that they all seek.
Jim's jacket (symbol)
Jim's red windbreaker is perhaps the most iconic, enduring symbol of the film. Jim first offers his suit jacket to Plato at the beginning of the film. The symbol emerges again when Jim offers Plato his red jacket in the planetarium because Plato is "always cold." As something that will protect Plato against the cold, the jacket is a symbol of Jim's affection and kindness, which although genuine, fails to save Plato.
Sharing a Cigarette (symbol)
Before Buzz is killed we see him take Jim's cigarette from his mouth and have a drag or two. This scene is very important because it symbolizes that these two kids are the same. They don't hate each other. Buzz says that he likes Jim, and when Jim asks him why they are doing this (the 'chickie run') he says, "You gotta do something don't ya?" It also symbolizes that Jim just as easily could have been in Buzz's position.
Red (motif)
The color red, which signals the passions and desire of youth, shows up most critically in Jim's jacket, Judy's coat, and Judy's lipstick. The color also signifies the connection between Jim and Judy: at the beginning of the film we see Judy in a red coat in the police station when she has been brought in for questioning. The next day we see Jim is wearing a red jacket as well. This foreshadows the fact that the two characters, who are initially distant, will eventually form a relationship and fall in love.
