The Broken Shop Window

Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory

Breaking a shop window is one of the first things Soapy does to get arrested. This could symbolize his feelings about material wealth—not only does he not like it, he wants to destroy it and show he has no regard for it. It could also symbolize the broken nature of his heart during this time in his life.

After he hears the organists' song (the anthem) coming from the church, we learn that Soapy once had and is now regaining religious aspirations. Religious people are sometimes known for shunning material possessions and only using what is needed. Maybe Soapy's seeming disregard for wealth can be translated into something positive through religion.