Almonds

Almonds symbolize growth. Because the amygdalae in the brain are the same shape as an almond, Mom thinks if she feeds Yunjae almonds with every meal, she can convince his amygdalae to grow. Though Yunjae hates almonds and is unconvinced of his mother's logic, he eats the nuts, even inventing a ritual for consuming them. His adherence to Mom's games and rules illustrate his subliminal desire to change and develop.

Books

Books symbolize comfort. Though Yunjae does not care for words, and is unable to perceive their meaning on the page, he likes the way books can take him other places. When his grandmother dies and his mother goes into a coma, Yunjae finds a sense of familiarity surrounding himself with the used books at the family store. He also refers to passages from books throughout the novel as a means of understanding his circumstances.

Butterfly