The symbolism of the shoes represents that free will allows kindness to be returned as it is received. The shoes symbolize Elia’s free will, and ability to make decisions not based on fate. “He was an excellent walker, and thought far more about his shoes than about his feet; if matters went as well as he expected, then everything would be mended in due course(Deledda 986).” Elia was more concerned with his shoes on the outside, but not about the effect on his actually feet. Feet are an embodiment of free will. They represent what Elia chooses to focus on. This correlates to the golden rule because of how he chooses to treat his feet, it will affect how his feet treat him on his journey. Furthermore, the philosophy that Elia has connects
