The Starling
The poor starling, trapped in his cage and only able to utter a few plaintive words, "I can't get out," is a symbol of Yorick in the Bastille. Yorick himself will be detained in this French prison if he cannot obtain a passport.
The Silk Purse
The fille de chambre's silk purse symbolizes her genitals. In this instance and in others, Sterne addresses Yorick's sexual desires by suggestively calling attention to otherwise innocent objects and ideas.
The Handkerchief
The handkerchief that Yorick uses to wipe away Maria's tears is a symbol of the sentimental -- a major theme of the novel and a major element of Yorick's personality. This handkerchief is a cloth both symbolically imbued with meaning and literally sodden with tears, nature's wellspring of emotion.
The Portmanteau
Yorick's portmanteau, which he kicks aside, is a symbol of "this world's goods." As often happens in A Sentimental Journey, such material possessions can distract one from fostering camaraderie and understanding with one's fellow man.
Music
Sterne uses the motif of music -- La Fleur's fife-playing, the farm family's music and dance -- throughout the novel in order to demonstrate humanity in its purest, finest, and most authentically benevolent state. Music is delicate, light, and conducive to pleasantness and fine feeling: it can promote the sentimentality that Yorick values.
