Jail
Jail symbolizes silent suffering among many Americans who live below the poverty line. Henry comes out of prison after five years, and he finds out that his life is completely ruined. Henry takes up the responsibility of raising his son, but shortly, he is locked out of his house because he cannot afford to pay rent. When he buys his son a birthday gift, he is surprised to learn that he cannot afford even the basics. Consequently, Henry symbolizes the suffering most Americans go through.
MacDonald's
MacDonald's is figuratively used by the author to represent the rich few who live the American dream. The reader realizes that the American dream is a fallacy that people keep chasing without realizing it is just a dream. However, few Americans are rich and are living their dreams, but the reality remains that many Americans are struggling with life.
Michelle
Michelle is a symbol of irresponsible parenting. Despite being a mother, Michelle is an addict, and she does not care about her young son, Junior. Instead of taking her motherly responsibilities, she has left all duties to her husband, Henry, who has just come out of prison broke and unemployed.
The symbolism of innocence
The author figuratively uses Junior as a symbol of innocence. Junior is a child who finds himself in abject poverty and suffering not because his parents chose to be poor but because of circumstances. Consequently, many Americans are suffering not because they are lazy but because they do not have the opportunities to improve their lives.
