Birds

Armand refers to the Calcet children as birds throughout the novel. The bird imagery symbolizes how Armand views his relationship with the children as temporary. He just needs to help them get out of the nest. This also helps to keep him detached from relating to them as children as he continues to protect his heart from them. By the end of the novel, Armand has stopped referring to them as “starlings” or “nestlings” and refers to them as children or by name as he accepts the family bond that’s been forged.

Gypsies

The gypsies symbolize the family unit that will form with Armand, Madame Calcet, and the children. The family unit may not be traditional, but will protect and provide for each other.

Bridge

Armand meets the children under a bridge. The bridge symbolizes the transition the Calcets and Armand undergo to become a...