Water

Water serves to represent many things including tragedy, catharsis, isolation, and connection. The novel begins with this imagery when Philip is said to be "born with the gift of rain" (1). The novel takes place on an island, a land mass surrounded by water. Water separates Philip's home from Endo-sans.

Istana

Philip's family home often times can be read as a symbol for the artifice of family itself. It's subsequent degradation and rebuilding throughout the novel functions as a representation of the state of the family itself.

Buildings

Buildings, like that of Hutton and Son's office building and Towkay Yeap's home, can be read as the physical embodiment of memories. These memories encounter figurative and literal destruction and rebuilding. Philip's office has its foundation replaced from the damage incurred during the war. The restoration of Towkay Yeap's home is a fixation for Philip's heritage preservation as well...