Vathek
Vathek symbolizes immorality, greed, and temptation. He is depicted as a selfish character, who indulges in his desires at the sacrifice of other people's well-being. His demise is a warning to readers against transgression and temptation.
The fifty children
The fifty children are sacrificed by Vathek so that he might reach the wealth and power offered by the dark world. The children ultimately represent innocence and moral virtue, and their death emphasizes Vathek's evil nature.
The Ending
At the ending of the text, Vathek and his evil mother are punished by having their hearts burned. At the same time, the fifty sacrificed children are restored to life. This symbolizes the return to moral order after the chaos caused by Vathek's reign and the hope for a better future.
The tower
Vathek constructed a huge tower in order to further explore astrology and the occult. This tower is a symbol of his greed and excessive pride, as it cost a lot of money to build, emphasizing his proclivity towards indulgence.
Eblis
Eblis is the Devil and is therefore a symbol of evil and darkness. It is Eblis who guards the dark world, and who tempts Vathek and his mother with the idea of wealth, riches, and power.
