Significance of gold

The color gold appears in many of the flashbacks and memories throughout the novel, as it symbolizes both love and happiness. Because gold is a warm and bright color, it is able to convey a positive mood in the narrative. All of the man’s memories of his family are presented in gold, as the love he has for them is enough encourage him to stay positive. Similarly, the beginning of the elderly factory worker’s flashback is presented in gold tones, as the moment he waves goodbye to his love is the last happy experience he is able to have before his home is devastated by war.