Heart

Throughout the novel, the author uses images of the heart to symbolize the spirit. For Sem, his heart is not merely contained to the organ behind his ribcage. Rather, Sanja and Harun are also extensions of his heart, and thus himself. Sem is convinced his heart cannot fail him, because his heart lives outside and beyond the parameters of his corporeal form.

Red Bandana

The red bandana that Harun wears throughout "Red Bandana," symbolizes identity. When Sem first sees Harun's bandana, he is reminded of the past, and a bandana another of his family member's wore in Bosnia. He then wonders if the bandana might be part of Harun's artist identity. He, too, wears a particular head covering while writing. Though Harun says the bandana is for more practical reasons, it is a representation of Harun's familial ancestry, and his self-created identity beyond it.

Sparrow

While...