Describe symbolism in Disorder and Early Sorrow by Thomas Mann

Mann uses names and adjectives symbolically. An example of this is shown in the names that Bert and his older children have for each other. Abel and his wife are known as the "old folks"; their older children are subsequently known as the "big folks." The word big is symbolic of the power that Bert and Ingrid have over their parents. The word "old", however, is symbolic if the way in which the parents have become obsolete.... in the way they lead their lives, as well as their viewpoints.