Shoes Symbol Analysis

Shoes represent economic status, showing how an item that people take for granted in one country could have a life-changing impact on people from another country.  Martin’s mother grew up so impoverished that she isn’t used to wearing shoes, which are a visible sign of all the other nice things she didn’t have access to. Caitlin is astounded to learn about this, and shortly after, she sends shoes as part of a care package to Martin’s family. Martin and his mother and are deeply appreciative: Martin tells Caitlin that the shoes have helped his mother become recognized as a member of society. People without shoes (i.e., people who are visibly poor) face discrimination, even in rural communities like Martin’s where no one is wealthy. Caitlin’s desire to provide shoes for Martin and his family represents her growing awareness of her relative privilege, and the shoes are a physical embodiment of her desire to protect and care for her friend.