Wineglasses, collars, and piping (Symbols)
On one level, the "wineglasses, collars, and piping" mentioned in the poem are simply metaphorical stand-ins for people: through metonymy, these objects are used to represent the individuals who own or use them. But, symbolically, these objects also represent the material luxury and wastefulness of the dictatorial class. Wineglasses symbolize excessive food, as well as, perhaps, drunkenness and revelry. Collars suggest fine clothing, but the word also carries a military connotation: even the somewhat softer or more traditionally feminized amusements must, in the hands of the dictators, be made masculine and harsh. Finally, while piping most immediately evokes the design of clothing or furniture, it also brings to mind music. These symbols let readers know that the dictators have access to entertainment and enjoyment, even while the people they rule suffer.
The plant (Symbol)
The plant is a complex, multifaceted piece of symbolism. It is also a mysterious one: while Neruda's poem clues us into its symbolic nature, it's not easy to determine what it represents. In fact, the confusion readers might feel regarding the plant reflects the confusion and lack of clarity attached to the plant itself. Like the aforementioned wineglasses, collars, and piping, the plant occupies several metaphorical roles at once. It is compared to lament—but the description of the plant then continues, becoming loaded with imagery and symbolism. Neruda describes the plant dropping pollen, which in turn causes more leaves to grow. These leaves grow in darkness, and they grow "blindly," unconsciously and without purpose. Interestingly, Neruda uses the definite article "the" to introduce the plant, implying that it is already well-known or ever-present. Given its associations with darkness and senselessness, it's reasonable to conclude that it symbolizes the ever-present, oppressive nature of dictatorship, and the way that it stamps out meaning and discourse in its subjects.
