How does the author use symbolism in the short story, White Noise (The New Yorker)?

The red socks Harvey dons at the start of the day symbolize extravagance. Harvey believes that the socks make him as normal as any other individual. However, the narrator says that the socks are handmade in Vatican City. Harvey, therefore, wears the same socks as the Pope. In this way, the socks illustrate the way Harvey regards himself, and the life he believes he deserves.