Children
The main characters have in the novel at least one child and these characters always put the wellbeing and the happiness of their children above everything else. The children mentioned here are also used as a symbol are, they are used to represent the idea of legacy.
The book
The book is probably the most important element in the story and is the element that sets in motion the events. The book is also the last element to be mentioned at the end of the story and is mentioned to allude to the idea that the story has not ended. The book is thus used here as a symbol to represent the need humanity has to explore the past and learn as much as possible about it.
Istanbul
The action described in the second part of the story takes place in the historic city of Istanbul. The characters search this city far and wide and their desire is to find any link with the past. Istanbul is also used here as a symbol and because of its rich history, it represents the glorious past which is often revered by many.
Symbol of vulnerability
The characters spend a lot of time trying to find out which is the best way to kill a vampire. After researching, they reach the conclusion that the only way through which they can kill the creature is by using weapons made out of silver. As such, the silver is used here as a symbol of vulnerability.
The tomb
The characters eventually reach the tomb where it was believed that Vlad Tepes was buried a long time ago. The tomb was supposed to keep Vlad in a state of inactivity and to protect the rest of the world from its influence. The tomb however was proven inefficient and the vampire was able to escape. Because of this, the tomb is used here as a symbol to represent the false sense of safety many people have when they find themselves in a familiar environment.
