Sun

In this novel, the sun symbolizes life and hope. Klara is solar-powered, and so she views the sun as a source of life. She also appears to believe that the sun is a powerful, sentient deity. On multiple occasions, she implores the sun to save Josie’s life by healing her illness. When Josie eventually does recover, Klara believes the sun to have been responsible for the recovery.

Cootings Machine

The Cootings machine symbolizes the ways in which industry often harms natural environments. The exact nature/purpose of the Cootings machine is never explicated, but it appears to be a device used in construction. It produces much pollution. Klara eventually sabotages the Cootings machine, as Klara believes that the sun abhors pollution and will help Josie in exchange for the sabotage.

Lifting

Genetic editing—or ‘lifting’ as it is called in the world of the novel...