Alcohol

Alcohol is a symbol of danger. To be aware of the variety of traits Jack relies on to recognize others, he has to remain in control of himself. When Jack drinks, he loses the concentration he needs to focus on these traits. For this reason, Jack avoids alcohol because it results in more than the normal instances when he makes social faux pas because he misidentifies people.

Jack’s Afro

Jack’s afro is a symbol of his real self. Even though Jack has to keep himself in control and contained to make sense of other people’s identities, he allows his hair to be wild and unconfined. When Jack looks in the mirror at himself he thinks that his hair is his attempt to find himself.

Purse

The purse is a symbol of bravery and homosexuality. When Jack suggests to Dusty that he should not...