Symbol

A **symbol** is something that represents something else. In literature, a symbol often combines its literal meaning with an abstract concept (i.e. sunshine and happiness, rain and sorrow, etc.). There are two types of symbols: those that derive their meaning from their function in the text and those that have certain meanings no matter what context they're used in.

In __Heat and Dust__, the Nawab's cars symbolize escape for Harry. To Harry, Olivia's house is an "oasis" for him and he makes frequent trips there in the Nawab's car, even "[seeming] relieved" when Douglas sends off the Nawab's chauffeur back to Khatm without him (p. 73).

Another example of a symbol is heat and dust, which represents the Indian culture and society in the novel. The narrator, who interacts more with Indian culture, is exposed to "flat land, broiling sky, distances and dust" every time she employs a public form of transport (p.11). On the other hand, Olivia always shuts herself indoors and "[lets] down all the blinds and shutters" (p. 17), "not [caring] about the dust storm blowing outside" (p. 73).