Political Pamphlets

The political pamphlets the competing parties distribute in Nawa symbolize knowledge. Though the parties provide the Nawis with information about their ideologies, the Nawis are unable to read the booklets. Without the ability to learn about each of the parties, the Nawa villagers are powerless to make an informed decision about who should govern them.

Bees

Sidi's bees symbolize harmony. Through Sidi's close relationship with his hives, Sidi learns not only about nature and love, but about the ways in which individuals must work together to survive. The bees' ability to protect and work with one another allows them to face great dangers. The author uses the bees as a symbolic representation of the ideal micro society.

Hornets

The giant Asian hornets that invade Sidi's hives symbolize danger. When the hornets first arrive, they massacre thousands of Sidi's bees, and rob the hive. Because the...