Symbols
Haven's Tools- After Haven dies, Robert then finds himself staring at Haven's tools for butchering in the trackroom. The handles are a very dark brown this shows where Haven's hands had touched them. This is a symbol in the book because it shows the effect of Haven's hard work on the family and especially Robert. Just like how Haven touched his tools, Robert is gilded by the love and experience that Haven lavishes on him.
Haven's Signature- In the beginning of the book Haven is upset with Robert because he skipped school and he wants Robert to be able to go into the bank and write his name. And Haven also later in the book talks about how he can't vote because he can't read. He explains that people just see the X that he makes for his own signature and just ignore the type of man he is. After Haven dies, while in the trackroom Robert finds a piece of paper and he opens it and sees that Haven had been practicing his signature. This is a symbol in the book that even though Haven has died, he had accomplished his goal of making Robert a man.