The speaker's polished shoes symbolize the father's kindness toward his son as he thanklessly works to make his life easier. The shoes also suggest the son's more sophisticated lifestyle. His father works hard so that the son may lead a more comfortable and privileged life.
Fire drives out cold, just as love conquers indifference. The fire that the father builds is both a literal and symbolic act of love. Getting up in the cold to warm his family requires selfless love. As a representation of warmth, cheer, and community, the fire is also a symbolic reminder that the speaker’s home was filled with love.
CRACKED HANDS
"THOSE WINTER SUNDAYS" SYMBOLS
COLD
The father's cracked hands are a sign of the hard work he labors at day in and day out. This work helps support his son, making the cracked hands a sign of the father's loving sacrifice.
The external cold of the winter symbolizes the coldness in the son's relationship with his father. As a child, the speaker does not recognize his father's love because it does not take the form of cheer and loving words. The cold interior of the house suggests that the family struggles to express love.