What is the symbolism of fire in the novel, Blue Boy?

Throughout the narrative, fire represents passion, power, and deep feeling. On several occasions it does so in a positive way, as when Kiran refers to his sense of identity, his creativity, and his commitment to expressing them both in terms related to fire and flame. On other occasions, however, symbolic references to fire are more negative, associated with Kiran's deep anger at those at school who bully or repress him, or with his deep pain and shame during his difficult conversation with his father.