Sunflower painting

The copy of Van Gogh's painting of sunflowers, won by Dora in a 1950 raffle, represents the ability to escape or transcend the world through artistic masterpieces. While her husband Len initially detests the painting, Len also saves it for several decades after Dora's death, leaving Ellis to re-discover its significance in his adult life.

Dented car parts

The dented car parts that Ellis is paid to fix represent the deep loneliness he feels. An early passage equates the physical touch necessary to fix the car parts to romantic touch.

Car plant

Ellis' employment at the car plant itself represents the death of Ellis' artistic dreams. Ellis had frequently drawn and sketched as a child, but is ordered by Len to work at the plant almost immediately after Dora dies.

Shaving

For Ellis as a child, Len's shaving routine represented the awe-inspiring manliness that Ellis felt...