Feathers

Feathers symbolize the transience of grief. The black feathers appear on the Boys’ bed. It is as if they have come in with the wind and signal the arrival of something ominous, in this case grief. It demonstrates that Crow will also be there for the boys to help them through their grief, just as he helps Dad. When Crow leaves, their worst part of their mourning will be over.

Crow

Crow is a symbol of flight, or escape from reality. Dad and the boys are traumatized by their loss. Crow’s arrival makes a time for them to try and manage their grief though escape. While the boys may have stories and play to escape to, Dad uses his interaction with Crow to escape into an imaginary world where he can process his wife’s death.

Birth

Birth is symbolic of starting over. Dad remembers...