Describe symbolism in High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Real passion does not come easily for Rob, and he claims that his relationship with Laura never gave him sleepless nights. In fact, the relationship symbolizes his emptiness. The feeling of emptiness continues in his work place. Britain is currently in a recession, and in this section only one customer enters the shop. Rob shows little anger at this, and presents it as something he expects and just another thing working against his need to move on in life.