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The Coffin
The coffin symbolizes the sense of weight and lack of balance (literally and figuratively) that the Bundrens take on by carting Addie all the way to Jefferson to be buried. Throughout the novel, the coffin… read analysis of The Coffin
Jewel's Horse
Jewel's relationship with his horse symbolizes his willful decision to separate himself from the rest of the Bundren family. Of course, Jewel is not biologically a Bundren child; however, he deliberately emphasizes his desire… read analysis of Jewel's Horse
Fish
The fish Vardaman catches for dinner early in the novel provides him with a meaningful symbol to understand the nature and meaning of death. After Addie's death, Vardaman realizes that the fish, like his… read analysis of Fish
Tools
Cash's tools are a metaphor for his desire to fix and make things right—particularly regarding those around him. Throughout the novel, Cash does not reveal much about his inner life, but is a man… read analysis of Tools
