Symbols

The story includes several symbolic elements connected to its themes and characters.

The tin

The tin is a symbol of caring and connection, in a general sense, because it is used for charity. In the story, the tins are used for supporting the military troops, which suggests that soldiers live in conditions where they often lack basic hygiene items or entertainment, for example. The items provided in the tins are practical, but also lets soldiers know that those back home are thinking about them.

In Polly’s case, the tin is symbolic of her caring nature. The story also suggests that, by carefully choosing the items to put in the tin, she is trying to feel useful again as her own children do not give her this sense anymore.

The tin is also symbolic of the value of a charitable act. This is illustrated at the end of the story, when the sweets in the tin are found by local childr...