Lambs

Lambs symbolize innocence and childhood in Lapvona. They are also closely tied to the vegetarian nature of Jude and Marek’s relationship, as the pair refuse to eat the lambs themselves and are terribly saddened to have to sacrifice them at the market. The affection that Jude shows the lambs he tends to in the opening section of the novel is symbolic of his fatherhood, and of his fragile love for Marek. The death of the lambs as a result of the drought, and concomitant with Marek’s departure to the manor, represents a loss of innocence and a segue into adulthood.

Meat

The act of eating meat is symbolic of a loss of purity. Because the peasant religion that Jude and Marek subscribe to prevents them from eating meat, the act of doing so is seen as an impious indulgence. Marek begins to eat meat...