Tuberculosis as a symbol of solitude
The lecturer orders Stephen to go home and receive medical attention because he does not want him to infect other students. When Stephen arrives at home, his sister is prohibited from visiting his room because of health concerns. Consequently, tuberculosis symbolizes loneliness because Stephen is secluded from people.
The Chinese Scroll Painting
The author uses the Chinese scroll painting emblematically to denote appreciation. When Stephen arrives in Japan, he explores his grandfather's study room and notices the Chinese scroll painting. He admires the painting and appreciates his grandfather’s hard work and contribution to the family's success at large.
The smell of Matsu’s cooking
The smell of Matsu's cooking symbolizes the side effects of tuberculosis. When Matsu cooks, the food smells nice, and it reminds Stephen of the number of days he has never eaten due to his ill health. Lack of eating is a major side effect of tuberculosis that Stephen experiences.
Swimming as a symbol of freedom
The author figuratively uses swimming to represent freedom. Tuberculosis has typically imprisoned Stephen because he rarely did anything by himself. However, when he visited his father in Japan, his recuperation journey began. When Stephen went to the beach, he did his paintings and went swimming and felt free than ever.
The beach girls
The beach girls symbolize Stephen's awakening love. The first day Stephen went to the beach, he realized that two beautiful girls were swimming, but he did not dare to talk to them despite having an urge to do so. Days after, Stephen kept on going to the beach, hoping that he would meet them and at least talk to them. Therefore, the beach girls' presence in Stephen's life signifies sexual attraction that he is slowly developing.
