Discuss symbolism in Howard End by Forster?

In Chapter Five, the young man's umbrella serves as a symbol, an emblem of protection against the "elements" of the upper class. As long as he has his umbrella to cover his true self, then he can easily fit into to the upper class role. However, once a member of the upper class has stolen his umbrella, he can be seen for who is—someone who certainly does not fit in. He feels like the only person in a rainstorm without an umbrella, like an easily recognizable fool.