How does the author use symbolism in the novel, Valiant Gentlemen?

Ward has relatives who are taxidermists, so he is familiar with the job. He sometimes compares aspects of his life to taxidermy. For example, when he first meets Sarita he thinks about her being like a pretty bird mounted behind glass in that she gives the appearance of life, but is not part of it. Later, he thinks of himself in this manner because as a reporter for Harmsworth’s newspaper, he is like the taxidermist. He preserves life, or stories about life, without taking part in the stories themselves.