Bad Weather

Throughout the narrative, different forms of bad weather represent the different negative circumstances of Charlie's life. As the novel begins, for example, the threat of a bad storm evokes the "bad storm" of danger and moral deterioration that Charlie is about to engage with as he engages with Squizzy.

Running

For Charlie, running represents freedom. When he runs on his own, it represents an escape from the difficult circumstances of his life. When he runs for Squizzy, it represents Charlie's hope that working for Squizzy will help him realize freedom from poverty. When he runs the race at Ballarat, and when he runs at the novel's conclusion, it represents how Charlie has actually achieved that freedom.

Charlie’s Footwear

The three different forms of footwear that Charlie puts on represent different aspects of his life and experience. The boots passed on to him by his...