Baby's Handprint

In "The Cabuliwallah," the child's handprint Rahman carries in his coat symbolizes equality and understanding. Seeing Rahman's daughter's handprint proves to the narrator that he and Rahman are both fathers. The handprint therefore teaches him that he and Rahman are not as different as he thought.

Mud

In the story "The Child's Return," the mud through which Raicharan wades to fetch the flower symbolizes danger. Although Raicharan is initially reluctant to wade through the mud to get the flower for the baby, he ultimately does so. Going into the mud diverts Raicharan's attention while the baby is wandering off. Therefore, doing so effectively causes him to lose the baby, and thus secures his dismissal from Anukul's.

Phailna

In the short story "The Child's Return," Phailna's character is symbolic of rebirth. Once the child starts to crawl, talk, and walk, Raicharan becomes convinced that he is...