Caesar

Caesar symbolizes Don’s contentment with living in a state of isolation. At the beginning of the story, Don’s life is generally defined by a relative lack of human contact. Don’s only consistent source of company is his dog, Caesar. The story partially venerates this trait as a virtue, although it seems to frame love as more important than the benefits f productivity given by isolation.

Painting

Painting symbolizes the value of personal satisfaction over outward signs of success. As a painter, Don’s artistic tastes and styles often change, as he constantly experiments and is motivated only by a desire to please himself. He does not care about superficial signs of success like fame and money, and the story seems to frame this trait as a virtue.

Eden’s Dates

Eden’s dates and social life symbolize a reliance on the affirmation of...