How does the author use symbolism in the novel, White Houses?

In the chapter "Luck is Not Chance" (19), Hick and Eleanor have lunch together and Hick comments on the fact that Eleanor does not ask for more crackers with her soup, even though she obviously wants more. This is a symbol of Eleanor's conviction that she should not be given special treatment during the Great Depression when so many people are suffering deprivations. Hick remarks wryly that "no one is going to accuse the future First Lady of chowing down on oyster crackers at the expense of the working class" (27).