What is The Lock Keeper?

The lock keeper of the Eerie Canal is symbolic for Ogden's misguided belief that he somehow knows best for the rest of society. It symbolizes his arrogant belief that he was born to control the world, as well as the comings and goings of others. It bespeaks his elitist attitude that his "character and capital" is superior to all others and thus he deserves to hold all of the power. It also alludes to the fact that the affluent Americans hold the key to everything: politics, finances, and opportunity.