The elevator
The elevator symbolizes Charlie's daily boring routine. Charlie's work is repetitive and predictable. When Charlie sits down to reflect on the number of miles he has operated the elevator, he realizes that it is thousands of miles. Therefore, Charlie laments that his life is useless because, despite working for the last ten years, he has nothing to show. Consequently, Charlie believes that his life is boring, just like his daily work of operating the elevator.
Christmas
Christmas symbolizes family reunion and sharing with the poor. The common perception among many characters in the book focuses on inviting friends and strangers to come and share with them on Christmas day. For instance, Mrs. DePaul invites Charlie to join them in the evening dinner on Christmas Eve, but Charlie excuses himself, arguing that his job needs him more than anything else. On the other hand, Mrs. Gadshill complains that this Christmas is different because she will be alone. After all, all his children could travel to join her. Therefore, Mrs. Gadshill says her Christmas is incomplete because she will not reunite with her family. Therefore, Christmas is an important symbol of family reunion and sharing.
The symbolism of generosity
Mrs. DePaul symbolizes generosity when she extends her invitation to Charlie to join them for Christmas dinner. Mrs. DePaul's generosity signifies the real meaning of Christmas day. The author depicts Mrs. DePaul as a woman of humility and ready to serve humanity. When she sees Charlie lonely at the elevator, she feels pity for him, and remembering that it is Christmas day, she asks him to join her family in the celebration.
