Tape Recorder
Trumper, instead of talking to people, likes to express his emotions through recording monologues on his tape-recorder. He can’t talk to people, he finds it difficult and often lies. But, he can express himself on a tape easily. It’s like a permanent accessory on him. He has a vast record of tapes he has made of his years with Biggie. This is the major reason that Ralph includes him on his team as a sound designer in Iowa.
Akthelt and Gunnel
Akthelt and Gunnel is a ballad in Old Low Norse that Trumper had been translating for his thesis. Since, there are not many references to translate Old Low Norse, he makes a few of his own. Thus, he begins to add fake plot lines to the ballad. This ballad is a representation of his own life which when he can’t figure out, tries to manipulate by lies.
Biggie mutilating herself
As both Trumper and Biggie are unhappy with their conditions while living in Iowa, both have to struggle to make a living while giving up on the things they actually love. So, Biggie has to leave her skiing career. To vent out her frustration, both of them hurt themselves physically or emotionally.
Letter
The letters are a symbol of his wearing patience. He writes a number of letters to different companies whom he needs to pay. His letters start politely explaining reasons, and then he begins to get frustrated as the tone gets argumentative. By the last letter, he is simply swearing and accepted that he can’t hold these people and there is nothing he can do about it either.
Mouse trap
It’s a symbol for Trumper’s worry for the weak. He is constantly worried about the rat in their basement and rigs the trap and provides him food so he wouldn’t risk his life. Similarly, he tries to keep his son in a stimulated environment so he won’t suffer any sadness.
