A symbol is when the actions of a character, word, action, or event that have a deeper meaning in the context of the whole story. There are many symbols that have a rather deep meaning in The Contender. Every symbol represents a theme that the book could be written around. Each of them intrigue the reader and make them want to continue the book. Three of the symbols are, the stairs, the cave, and the ice ball. The stairs represent Alfred’s journey and how he has to climb his way to the top. They are mentioned several times throughout the book. The most important time they are brought up is near the end, whenever Donatelli says he will never forget when Alfred first came up the dark steps. He talks about how Alfred was scared and alone, but
