Shrapnel symbolizes the war’s danger. When Ken goes to London with his father after the first night of bombing, he sees shrapnel in the street. Ken’s father explains that it’s a piece of an exploded bomb. Ken can see the damage the bombs inflicted on the buildings and streets and reconciles how this piece of bomb is now harmless. He collects the shrapnel and does the same later with his new friends when they find shrapnel in the orphanage yard. He notes that collecting the shrapnel is their way of trying to contain the danger. It’s a tangible item that fits in their hands, and this act makes the bombs and the war less fearsome. Hood also uses the shrapnel ironically, showing that the pieces of metal that can cause death and destruction can also be used as collectibles and trading currency for young boys. An item that, hours before, was considered dangerous, loses its power after the dust settles.

Ken’s wool coat symbolizes his transition from a boy into a man. Ken’s stepmother purchases Ken a new coat before his voyage, and he feels like a different person once he puts the garment on. The acquisition of the coat aligns with Ken’s upcoming adventure and his new burgeoning identity as independent from his family: