Symbolism is among the most prominent literary elements implemented in this story. The author explores the topics of maturity and authenticity by introducing two main symbols: an immense fish, and a girl named Sheila Mant who is described as “unutterably suave” and “the epitome of sophistication” (Wetherell 168). The narrator likely viewed her as desirable and mature, considering that several of her suitors were in their twenties, whilst he was merely fourteen (Wetherell 168). The author develops Sheila as an unrealistic idea of what maturity is, in the eyes of a teenage boy. After mustering up the courage to ask her out, the narrator cast his fishing rod and line, which he never went anywhere without, and picked up the girl (Wetherell 169).
