The orphanage
The orphanage symbolizes cruelty and brutality. Instead of being a haven for the orphans, the orphanage is depressive and oppressive. Odie and his brother find it difficult to continue living in the orphanage and decide to escape. Consequently, Odie represents the feelings that orphans go through while in oppressive orphanages.
The symbol of sin
The shooting of Jack symbolizes sin. Odie shoots Jack for him and his friends to get the freedom of escaping and continuing with their journey. However, Odie feels sorry for his actions because he realizes that killing a fellow human being is an unforgivable sin.
The symbol of love
The appearance of Mybeth Schofield in Odie’s life symbolizes love. For the first time, Odie feels that he is loved. Maybeth and Odie become very close and intimate. Unfortunately, Mybeth leaves and Odie is left heartbroken.
The symbolism of fate
Fate is symbolized by the reunion of Odie, Albert and their mother. All along, Odie and his mother knew that they were orphans. After being taken to the orphanage, Odie thinks that the best thing to do is running away alongside his brother and friends to locate Aunty Julia. After meeting Aunt Julia, the boys are shocked to learn that she is their biological mother.
