How does the author use symbolism in the story, Three Years?

One example of symbolism can be found in Yulia’s parasol, which represents the early days of their love. When Laptev first beholds Yulia’s forgotten parasol, he is overjoyed: “Laptev opened it and held it over him, and it seemed to him that there was even a smell of happiness around him” (341). Later on, Laptev cites this as the only time he felt truly happy in his life.