Elephants

Elephants symbolize the danger of the forest and the tumult engendered by nature. Elias is simultaneously afraid of the elephants and transfixed by their physical power and intelligence.

Ostriches

Ostriches symbolize prosperity for Fiela and the Komoetie family. Fiela has the opportunity to build a successful business using the ostriches feathers to economically lift her family.

Ocean

The ocean symbolizes freedom and comfort for Benjamin. He finds his true self when he returns to the ocean and has time to think and discover his identity.

Money

Money symbolizes hope in the novel. Elias dreams of having enough money from elephant trapping that he will no longer have to cut down trees to make beams. Fiela also dreams of selling products from her ostriches in order to make her life easier.

Nature

Nature symbolizes freedom and a desire to escape. For Nina, the time she spends outside...