The boat
Almost every man mentioned in the novel works on a boat where he fishes for a living. Even though most of them expose themselves to dangers every single day, they realize that unfortunately, they have little to no options. The boat is also used in the novel as a metaphor, representing the sacrifices a person must make to ensure the well being of the family.
The wind
The sailors depend on the wind and its strength in order to have o profitable business. Because of this, the sailors came up with various methods or measuring its strength and direction. The wind is an important element here because it is also used as a metaphor. In this novel, the wind represents the unstable nature of life in general and how things can change quickly from one moment to the other.
The circus
Hauyou ends up joining the circus after making sure his mother will not be forced to marry a man she does not love. Once Hauyou starts working there, he finds an extreme sense of happiness and also liberty. Thus, because of this, the circus is used here as a metaphor for freedom.
Metaphor for confinement
The action in the novel focuses primarily on the men and the women who are mentioned are shown as characters which do not hold any type of importance and influence. Women are seen as mothers and wives and are not allowed to do anything else. One way through which the men in the novel manage to control the women in their lives is through marriage. Thus, marriage is used here as a metaphor for confinement.
Metaphor for wisdom
Great Uncle Bo is the most influential character in the novel and his status is given by the fact that he is the oldest character. Everyone respects him and listens to his advice even when they may not necessarily agree with it. Old age is important for the characters and is also used here as a metaphor for wisdom.
