Describe symbolism in The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy

The E.S. Politovskiy symbolizes the technical problems for the Soviet Navy. Like the
Red October, it is dominated by a nuclear reactor and weapons systems, leaving the
crew vulnerable. When the E.S. Politovskiy races to intercept the Red October, the
engines are not strong enough to keep the submarine operable. Instead, the submarine is destroyed and everyone dies because the technology was not strong enough to complete the mission.