Reef (Symbol)
Mister Salgado studies coral reefs, a complex organism that, according to Mister Salgado, can be destroyed by "even a small change in the immediate environment." Mister Salgado hypothesizes that if the reef's structure is damaged, the "sea will rush in," destroying not only the coral but nearby beaches and even entire ecosystems.
The reef symbolizes the social structure of post-colonial Sri Lanka. Just like the reef "has survived aeons" but can be damaged by "bombing, mining, netting," and even small chemical changes to the water, social and economic inequality was created in Sri Lanka through centuries of colonial exploitation, but this delicate colonial structure was destroyed by revolutionary ideas. Much like the reef grew over time into a massive yet delicate structure, Mister Salgado and his friends enjoyed material wealth and high social standing accumulated by the generations before them. However, their privilege is fragile, like a coral reef; their status and wealth degrade as discontent changes the "immediate environment" in Sri Lanka.
Just as the sea rushes in once the coral erodes, Mister Salgado, Nili, and Dias suffer massive, life-changing consequences when the post-colonial structure is destroyed. Mister Salgado is forced to flee to England, Nili's guesthouse is burned down, and Dias is murdered.
Onions (Symbol)
When Triton realizes that Joseph hates the smell of raw onions, he hides in the kitchen with Lucy-amma, who uses onions in every meal. Cutting onions is Triton's first introduction to the world of cooking, and throughout his life, Triton uses cooking to create a sense of intimacy and safety for himself and others. Thus, onions begin to symbolize comfort and safety as Triton finds a sense of belonging in the kitchen.
Triton takes the symbol even further, using onions explicitly "for protection." Knowing Joseph hates onions, Triton hides a raw onion in his shirt, believing that if Joseph attacks him, he can defend himself with the onion's fumes. Triton also plans an offensive attack by smearing onion juice on Joseph's sleeping mat.
Lists (Motif)
Early in Triton's employment, Mister Salgado tasks him with counting and inventorying objects in the house, such as the various types of glasses and silverware. Triton notices that Mister Salgado organizes his life through various lists, such as "shopping lists, laundry lists, book lists," and others. This careful listmaking demonstrates Mister Salgado's scientific mindset. Triton, who admires Mister Salgado, tries to emulate his habits and makes his own lists on scraps of newspaper. Even after decades of living independently in London, Triton still creates comprehensive lists, just like Mister Salgado.
Elaborate Meals (Motif)
Throughout the text, Triton uses his culinary skills to reflect and influence his relationships with others. He describes his meals with rich, sensory language and relates the process of preparing a meal in great detail. Major events in Triton's life are marked by elaborate meals; for example, when Nili first visits Mister Salgado, Triton prepares several inventive dishes, and when hosting the Christmas party, Triton explains his exact process of roasting the turkey to exceed Mister Salgado's expectations.
Cooking is how Triton expresses his love and his artistry. He creates memories with his cooking, knowing that "taste...lies entirely in the mind," and "every mouthful detonated a memory" for those dining. Using the motif of elaborate meals, the text explores Triton's artistry, scientific mindset, and relationships with others.
The Story of Anguli-maala (Allegory)
Mister Salgado asks Triton to recount the story of Anguli-maala, a gruesome tale that serves as an allegory for the impending Sri Lankan Civil War and Mister Salgado's place in it. In the parable, a young prince is tasked with creating a garland of little fingers; he is given this task simply because his classmates and teacher are jealous of him. The prince undertakes the gruesome task, growing bloodthirsty in the process. Unable to complete the garland, the prince murders many men and leaves their bodies to rot, though no one rises up to stop him.
This story reflects Mister Salgado's perspective on the growing discontent in Sri Lanka, which he blames on the "politics of envy." Mister Salgado believes he is like the prince in the story, and the "have-nots" of Sri Lanka are simply jealous of his good fortune and use violence to punish him and those like him. However, the message of the story is more complex. Though envy plays a part in both the story of Anguli-maala and the Sri Lankan Civil War, the allegory also expresses that oppressive circumstances can corrupt even the most virtuous people. Throughout the text, Triton sees working-class people grow increasingly radical as the government refuses to meet their economic needs, and upper-class people grow increasingly cruel as they wrestle with their personal demons.
