How does the author use symbolism in the novel, What Strange Paradise?

The author uses storms to symbolize the chaos and uncertainty facing the fleeing refugee population. They are violent and disturbing and outside the control of the passengers on the Calypso. While being tossed by storms, the boat loses its only lantern light, the passengers below scream out in terror, and ultimately, it is a large storm that capsizes the boat. This chaos and uncertainty that threatens the dreams of the refugees is a faceless multitude of terror that no one can hope to surmount while riding in such a decrepit vessel as the Calypso.