Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a symbol for Dirk’s loving feelings, in addition to a connection to the original The Nutcracker and the Mouse King story of which Hiddensee is a retelling. Dirk first crafts the Nutcracker as a gift for Nastaran to express his devotion and love for her. Later, he gives the Nutcracker to Klara as a Christmas gift. This figurine holds immense sentimental value since Dirk has carried it with him since Nastaran’s death decades earlier; he gives it to Klara to bring her joy during her time of illness, since he cares so deeply for his goddaughter.

Walnut

The walnut that haunts Nastaran represents the frightening unknown of life. Nastaran suffers many insecurities, which cause her to be very unhappy with her life; the walnut serves as a tangible amalgamation of all those unpleasant feelings that she is unable to crack. Dirk...