Memory police - symbolism

Snow

signals end of hope. It first snows after fruits and photographs disappear. Snow’s arrival represents the citizens’ emotional detachment as the objects taken from them become more and more personal.

Earthquake

symbolises significant and irreversible change. For narrator = death of old man.

Burning of objects

signals death. The most significant and personal disappearances are finalised through fire. Books sheer amount and strength of fire emphasises the enormity of this loss. 

Typewriter

represents voice and identity. 

Heart

physical representation of memories and the soul. Becomes a place of conflict as narrator loses her memories and R tries to stop that.

Roses

represents people. Rose garden without roses is nothing. People without memories are nothing.