What is the symbolism of Ben's shotgun in the novel, East of the Mountains?

Ben’s shotgun is symbolic of all the negative emotions in his life including anger, grief, and fear. The shotgun is particularly representative of Ben’s grief over the death of his wife Rachel. Ben gave up hunting after World War II and he did not take up hunting again until after his wife’s death. Ben’s negative emotions have driven him to the conclusion that he must end his life and when Ben renounces the shotgun by leaving it with William Harden, it symbolizes the fact that Ben is letting go of these negative feelings and is now willing to embrace the possibility that his life still has positive value.