Dandelion Wine (Symbol)
Dandelion wine becomes in the novel a symbol of summer, happiness, and memories that are of great importance: “Hold summer in your hand, pour summer in a glass, a tiny glass of course, the smallest tingling sip for children; change the season in your veins by raising glass to lip and tilting summer in.” It is not an accident that wine is chosen as a symbol of happiness, because both happiness and wine can make a person drunk and even cloud one’s thoughts. However, dandelion wine has nothing to do with negative effect of spirits - it is only the positive side, only one of optimism. And the very process of collecting the flowers and making the wine is a kind of ritual that is important for the boys because it is associated with summer.
Summer (Motif)
The events described took place during one summer, and the entire atmosphere of the novel is soaked with summer motifs. These include forest walks, children's games, running, playing, ice cream, and porch swings.
Swings (Symbol)
On the second day of the summer, Grandfather and Douglas hang the porch swing, and then remove this swing on the last day of the summer. The swings is thus a symbol of summer and holiday and carefree, languid relaxation for the boys.
Cloud (Symbol)
Right before John Huff tells Douglas he is going to move away, Bradbury writes, "It was such a fine day and then suddenly a cloud crossed the sky, covered the sun, and did not move again" (103). The cloud covering up the bright and warm sun is a symbol of the blotting out of Douglas' happiness and sense of security that things will always be the same.
Window (Symbol)
After Colonel Freeleigh passes away, Bradbury notes, "Two thousand miles away, the closing of a window" (135). The window shutting is a symbol of Freeleigh's life coming to an end. It is decisive, quick, and seemingly final.
