What does Neddy represent?

Neddy seems to symbolize the incorrigible sons who cannot be forced to abide by the rules of civility. Neddy's death foreshadows the loss of the idealist son who strikes out on his own without regard for familial approval. In the wake of Neddy's death, more headstrong sons are lost in one way or another, whether it be Dunc to the war, or Moss's untimely death as he pursues societal change not realizing that he is hopefully mired in a life of privilege that obscures his true vision of the world. Neddy represents great loss.