Hyde Park (Symbol)
As summer approaches in London, Hyde Park becomes a symbol of romantic freedom. As summer arrives, people begin to flock to the park for picnics and walks. Moses and Galahad both engage in various flirtations and sexual relationships in the park, particularly with white British women. Where other parts of London are more restrictive in terms of social norms around dating, the park offers a more liberal atmosphere for these romantic encounters. In this way, Hyde Park works as a symbol for romantic liberation.
Pigeons (Symbol)
Pigeons are a symbol of desperation in the book. Galahad, and later Cap, turn to eating pigeons when they run out of food during a difficult winter. They risk getting in trouble and endure eating this slightly strange meal because they are out of other options. This last-ditch effort highlights the relative desperation of their situation. In this way, the pigeons become a symbol of the characters' overt struggles, as they cannot even rely on a constant source of food.
Assimilation (Motif)
Assimilation is a major motif throughout the book, as various characters decide how much they do or do not want to change to fit in with London's culture. Characters like Harris attempt to change everything about themselves, from habits of speech to dress code, in order to ingratiate themselves with white Londoners. In contrast, characters like Five and Big City make no adjustments and act in the same way they would in their home countries. Finding a middle ground, characters like Moses and Galahad are able to switch back and forth, adjusting for the contexts they find themselves in, not changing who they are but knowing how to operate around white people.
Fancy Clothes (Symbol)
Fancy clothes work as a symbol for money in the book. After his payday, Galahad goes out and buys a nice new set of clothes. He heads out on the town feeling confident and good, like he has finally made it. He feels good because he has managed to secure an income and is now able to show that off with his attire. Clothes function as a symbol for material wealth as they demonstrate how much, or how little, money a character has in a particular moment.
Game Sheet (Symbol)
Big City is frequently seen holding a form used to bet on the outcome of a soccer match. He is always telling Moses he should play, but Moses tells him he's wasting his money and time. Big City remains focused on the slim potential for a big payout, ignoring the tremendous odds stacked against him. His game sheet symbolizes the foolishness of gambling, as it lures people in with a big cash prize but basically never brings the players any profit.
