Sheep Skull

The sheep skull that Jacob finds in Cornwall symbolizes death, specifically that of Jacob’s father. Jacob’s father Seabrook dies when Jacob is quite young. Shortly after Seabrook’s death, Jacob’s mother takes Jacob and his brothers to Cornwall for a vacation. Jacob finds a sheep skull lying in the dirt of a field, and he insists on keeping it in his bedroom. The possession of the skull represents Jacob’s grieving process and his lasting attachment to his recently deceased father.

Perambulator

The recurring image of the perambulator represents Jacob’s childhood. A perambulator is another word for a baby stroller. Jacob’s mother and governess use a perambulator to transport Jacob and his brothers when they are little. Later in the novel, when Jacob is grown, the image of the perambulator returns briefly during a scene of his mother back in...