The Letters

The letters Kojima writes to Eyes symbolize their mutual need for friendship. The fact that Eyes initially believes it is a trick symbolizes the extent to which he is bullied.

Kojima's Dirty Sneakers

Kojima's dirty sneakers symbolize her inability to fit in with others. To Kojima, being dirty is a sign of her affinity with her father, and she continues this practice in an effort to remember him. She stops eating, which to her is yet another of these symbols. The reader will likely realize that the extremes of Kojima's behavior are likely signs of mental illness or her inability to cope with the realities of her life.

Bowing

Bowing is a symbol of respect or apology in this culture.

Scissors

Kojima thinks scissors represent security because they allow her to be in control of some minor point in her life. This is also a...