The House (symbol)
The house in the novel symbolizes the deterioration of family, memory, and personal identity. In that, the physical state of Dev’s house reflects his stagnation and disconnection from the world. His father’s dream of transforming it into a useful space never came to fruition. As such, it ended up filled with discarded objects from the past. The basement is a repository of his childhood and his father’s forgotten ambitions. This setting encapsulates a life put on hold because it is steeped in old memories with no momentum toward the future. The house, representing shelter and a trap, demonstrates the emotional and psychological isolation that pervades the characters' lives.
The Crow (symbol)
The recurring presence of the crow in the novel represents foreboding and the inescapability of fate. Its appearance in the backyard while perched on an old utility pole conjures an ominous tone, which symbolizes decay and the inescapable destiny of the characters. Crows as symbols of mystery and omens, their presence here acts as a silent witness to the slow unraveling of the lives within the house. It further reinforces the themes of isolation and the inevitable decline of the people inhabiting it.
The Basement (symbol)
Dev’s basement is a literal and figurative symbol of his emotional state. While it is a place of refuge from the outside world, it shows how his life has stalled. The basement, filled with old toys, comics, and his teenage artwork, represents a life lived in the past. Dev is unable to move beyond the confines of his upbringing and his family home. This space, disconnected from the rest of the house, symbolizes Dev’s emotional detachment and his struggle to find meaning and purpose in his current life.
Silence and Isolation (motif)
Silence as a recurring motif echoes the isolation that many characters experience. Dev isolates himself in the basement as the silence around him becomes oppressive. This motif of silence is more about the emotional distance and the failure of communication. The lack of meaningful dialogue between characters, especially in key moments, stresses the difficulty of forming genuine human connections. This silence also enhances the novel’s exploration of loneliness where characters are trapped in their thoughts and emotions.
Alcohol as Escape (motif)
Alcohol frequently appears as a motif, signifying escapism and coping with harsh realities. Characters regularly turn to alcohol to dull their pain, avoid confronting their problems, and seek temporary solace. Whether it is Dev drinking in solitude or the other characters using alcohol to fuel their reckless behavior, it symbolizes a futile attempt to escape the weight of their lives. This motif also emphasizes the cyclical nature of the characters' struggles as their reliance on alcohol only deepens their emotional stagnation.
