Symbols
- Toby, Christopher's pet rat, can be represented as a symbol in the novel because it is like an animal representation of him. If you take your eyes off of him for a bit, he'll run away and get into trouble, like the scene in the train station, when Christopher finds Toby on the tracks.
- The pitchfork that was used to kill Wellington can be represented as a symbol for violence and misery, due to its use in the story as the weapon used to kill Wellington.
- The mathematics problems that Christopher solves on his journey are a symbol of what he perceives to be logical and understandable in the world. The math problems are used to help keep his thoughts straight and focused, as well as to give him an extra sense of security while he is in his own thoughts.