The Older Man in the Army
The older man in the army symbolizes the frustrations the men in uniform go through while serving their countries. After resigning from the military, the older man lives a mysterious life in a poor town. He lives extravagantly for the rest of his life. The author writes, "Formerly, he had served with the hussars, and successfully at that. No one knew the reason that had induced him to resign his commission and settle in a wretched little town, where he lived poorly and extravagantly at the same time. He invariably went about on foot, in a shabby black frock-coat, but he kept open house for all the offices in our regiment."
Collection of Books
The older man's collection of books symbolizes the thirst for knowledge. The author realizes that officers are thirsty for learning because they often borrow military books from experienced officers. The narrator says, “He had a collection of books, chiefly on military subjects, and some novels. He willingly lent them out to us and never asked for them back. On the other hand, he never returned to its owner any book that he had borrowed.”
Silvio (Symbol)
Silvio represents the significance of concentration and attention. The narrator says, “It was Silvio’s habit to maintain complete silence when playing, never arguing or entering into any explanations.” Success comes to those who are focused on attaining a particular goal and work towards the objective.
The Braided Red Cap
The red braided cap represents Silvio's inner humanity. Silvio is seen as a deadly and ruthless individual who kills with a blank of an eye. The narrator says, "Silvio stood and took a red braided cap from a cardboard box with a gold tassel. He put it on; a bullet had pierced it about two inches above the forehead." After wearing the braided cap, Silvio confesses that he cares for his life and is humane because he can forgive.
Clay Walled Cottage
The clay-walled cottage that houses Silvio represents the richness of the heart and peace of mind. The narrator and other people consider Silvio as a poor older man. However, Silvio values his house, and he has a rich, luxurious collection of guns and books. Therefore, satisfaction and contented life are not necessarily found in big mansions but people's hearts. The author writes, "His rich collection of pistols was the sole luxury in that miserable clay-walled cottage where he lived.”
