Puppets

Images of puppets throughout the collection symbolize victimization. After soldiers invade and occupy Vasenka, the townspeople begin hanging puppets from their windows. Puppets also appear strewn lifeless on the streets or in the public squares. The puppets appear like vacant bodies, paralleling the Vasenka townspeople's victimization by the invading soldiers.

Hands

The author uses images of hands to symbolize communication. After Petya's death, the Vasenka townspeople refuse to hear, and begin conversing with their hands instead. Though the citizens stop using spoken language, they are able to communicate with sign language. This form of communication affords them a level of defense against the soldiers.

Mouth

Repeated images of the human mouth, often open, symbolize exposure. Because the townspeople have stopped hearing or speaking, they only open their mouths to express profound distress or anguish. These emotions bare the human spirit in a vulnerable and naked way...