Speech

The speech Paduk wants Krug to make pledging his allegiance to the State symbolizes political manipulation. Desperate to seize power over the nation, Paduk attempts to use Krug as his mouthpiece. He believes that if Krug is loyal to him, the people will be loyal to him.

The Bridge

The bridge Krug must cross between the hospital and home symbolizes time. On the night of Olga's death, soldiers force Krug to traverse the bridge three times. These journeys exacerbate Krug's emotional state and distort his sense of reality. The bridge acts as both a physical and metaphysical representation of transition and change.

Padograph

The padograph device Paduk's father invented symbolizes linguistic control. The machine is supposedly capable of reproducing the individual's personality. Because the padograph is an implement of communication, the author uses this imagined invention to address a political power's attempts to rob its people...