Lamp

The lamp that the couple must uncover, during the first night they take care of Poonachi, represents the small and routine nature of their lives. The couple is so used to going to bed right when the sun sets that they must hunt to find the lamp, even among their limited possessions.

Black goat hair

The rarity of goats who have black hair represents the strong power held by the government in the region. The narration describes that the state had recently wiped out many goats with black hair, making the black-haired Poonachi look suspicious when the old woman takes her to the line.

Official queue

When the old woman is in line to register Poonachi, the people in the line argue about whether the line represents the government's desire to train the citizens into obedience, or whether it represents the government's desire to punish the...