Ferdydurke Setting & Symbolism

Ferdydurke Objects/Places

The Forest

Joey mentions being trapped in a green forest at the beginning of the novel, and in the end of the novel, Joey's uncle confronts Kneadus in a forest. The green of the forest represents youth and immaturity.

The School

Pimko brings Joey to a boys' school, where the faculty is made up of bores who try to convince the students that they admire classical literature.

The Engineer's House

Pimko places Joey at the Youngbloods' house to stay while he's at school. While he is staying there, Joey falls in love with the daughter of the Youngbloods, a modern schoolgirl.

Legs

In the novel, legs symbolize modernity, comfortableness with one's body, athleticism, and sexuality.

Mugs

In the novel, the "mug," or face, symbolizes intellectual idealism.

Pupas

In the novel, the "pupa," or butt, symbolizes childishness and immaturity.

The Branch

Joey gives a green branch to a beggar out in the street to hold between his lips, hoping to disconcert the Youngbloods.