Wind

At a couple of key points in the narrative, wind represents challenging pressures, expectations, and desires, primarily in the relationship between the narrator and Mitko. On these occasions, the wind is described as cold and harsh. Sometimes the characters (both the narrator and Mitko) turn away from the wind and the pressures metaphorically associated with them: sometimes they face into the wind and their associated challenges.

Language

Language and difficulties in communication represent deeper layers of challenge in the relationship between the narrator and the country in which he is living (Bulgaria) and, more specifically, layers of challenge in the relationship between the narrator and Mitko. This is an ambivalent image, with challenges in accurate translation becoming obstacles to communication and relationship (such as those moments when Mitko and the narrator fail to understand each other). At other times, difficulties in translation provide interesting, unexpected insight...