A symbol of a Dragon
The hungry dragon is a symbol that has been used to refer to people who eat food while gulping noisily. Dragons are large monsters which look like giant reptiles with a big appetite for whatever they come across. Masahiro compares Sadako’s eating style to that of a dragon. She eats like there is no other day left for her to survive.
The Motif of Turtle
The turtle has been used as a motif because it signifies slow movement. Sadako calls her friend, Chizuko as a turtle because she walks slowly. Sadako wishes that her friend could at least walk faster so that they would reach at the memorial ahead of others. Normally, turtles are widely known for their slow movement. Despite being slow, they usually arrive at their destinations safely.
A Symbol of White Doves
White doves have been used in the story as a sign of peace and harmony. They signify that the living are wishing those who died during the atomic bomb a peaceful rest. The memorial place is named as Peace Park. After the ceremony, the Buddhist priests releases hundreds of white doves into the air from the cages to symbolize peace. Additionally, they signify that the spirits of the dead are free from any form of condemnation and imprisonment so that they can be free and have peace.
The symbol of golden crane
The golden crane has been used symbolically as a sign of good lucky and best of luck to Sadako. The golden crane besides Sadako made her feel safe and lucky with a hope that she will get better and go home to join her family. Chizuko tells Sadako that if she folds a thousand paper cranes, the gods will make her strong and go home. However, making a thousand paper cranes is not easy at all implying that she must be occupied. However, this is to make her busy and not get bored but remain focused and hopeful that recovery was in the process.
The allegory of the Marble tree
The turning of color of the marble tree from green to rust and gold symbolizes the last days of Sadako. The leaves are no longer green meaning that there is no hope. Dead is at the corner waiting to welcome Sadako to join her ancestors and friends.
