Fog

Fog operates as both a literal and symbolic motif. Literally, it represents the physical hazards of Tom’s work on the beach, creating disorientation and danger, as seen when he stumbles into the sinkpit. Symbolically, fog mirrors the uncertainty surrounding reality, fantasy, and perception, obscuring what is true and leaving events and intentions ambiguous. The thick fog surrounding Tom’s near-death experience and the subsequent mystical Fogbell emphasizes this liminality: he is lost both physically and spiritually. The Fogbell itself, literally a rescue point for shankers, becomes a symbol of guidance and return when Tom is spiritually adrift.

Horse and Cart

The horse and cart symbolize Tom’s inheritance from Pop and his commitment to tradition. By continuing to work with the horse and cart rather than adopting modern motorized equipment, Tom preserves the old methods of shanking, valuing the skills, knowledge, and discipline passed down...